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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then 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 only if the key is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which 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 luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to motorcycle key cutting Near me blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If it 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 doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. Every time getting a new car key cut key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This method is also a great way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or call it up by pressing the button. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge cost 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 moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have a spare car key cutting key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and begin your car, provided you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using the traditional key cut places near me is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.

There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the range of your car.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser car key cutting near me-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.