Why Is Cut Car Key So Popular
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting (stay with me) equipment or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start a car. They also function as an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto key cutting near me club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement car key cutting fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain distance of your cheap car key cutting near me.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.