10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Cut Car Key
car key cutting service Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely to have 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 checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 doesn't make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires break then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your mobile key cutting service.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto car key cutting near me club memberships or extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only downside 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 a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks and doors.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're getting a key cut near me popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.