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Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), emergency key cutting is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key cut service that has an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key cutting places isn't an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 doesn't make a car burglar-proof however it could delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time a key is introduced. Over time the wires could start to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key cut for car near me. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 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 a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with a remote key or smart 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 key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut There are many options to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter 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 operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to protect their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.