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Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming the metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to the 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 however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and see whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. They are also a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. places to get keys cut near me can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if need to take your key fob out every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.
