Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and check if it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you need to take your key fob out every time you take it out of the protective case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. visit website offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a certain range of your car.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.