Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip, which is required to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut new car key near me keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting (sneak a peek at these guys) equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that 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 within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key cutting services.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get car key cut a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another alternative is to get keys cut your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those looking to safeguard their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.