Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
car key Cutting lowes keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat
automobile keys made near me. They have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on many affordable models.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult 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 to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough 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 solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and see if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob
cut new car key near me at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to protect their vehicles.
laser key cutting near me cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.