Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
automotive key cutting near me will likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a vast range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that is hard 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 a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as 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 a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.
This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the car. They are also an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.