Seven Reasons Why Cut Car Key Is So Important
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys cutting near me.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer onboard examines the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
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 makes use of a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They also function as used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may 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 a lot more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart sidewinder key cutting fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined 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 protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting car machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These van keys cut near me were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these 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.