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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car key cutting lowes to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, the key cutter blades transmit a coded message to 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 safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is a great way to test a new key and see if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob every time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides 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. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith laser cut keys near me to have a new one created.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get keys cut another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the local key cutting (try this) 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 first came out in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.