The Next Big Event In The Cut Car Key Industry
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your spare car key cutting near me keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one 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 a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS emergency key cutting isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches 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 isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and check whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as a security device 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 aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob each time you use it from the case.
Some of the newer policies like auto key cutting near me club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare car key cutting key or fob on hand in the event that 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. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys There are many options available for you to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to provide extra security to their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.