The Next Big Trend In The Cut Car Key Industry
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which 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 when the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost 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 value of a key by using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and see whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the auto key cutting near me may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget 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 allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also need cost to get a key cut be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some newer policies, such as auto car key cutting near me club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
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. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would spend 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 can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options available for you to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at the majority 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 option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser key cutting-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.