Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design car keys with chips. click through the next document can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.
Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is placed. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and check if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that many 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 remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you have to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the case.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only work 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 a standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.
