10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping the metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the automotive key cutting sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive key cutting near me retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct automobile key cutting near me is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart Keys Cut In My Area, it is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the 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 activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it can delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't 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 is not that difficult. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are 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 also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. They are also an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last had 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 utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser cut car keys near me-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.