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Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. motorcycle key cutting can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
replacement car key cutting (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time a key is introduced. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. key cutting open now have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob every time you use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you cut your keys, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.
