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Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the auto key cutting machine. The computer in the car checks the serial number digitally of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days 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 utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car may start 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. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your cheap key cutting, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key cut near me open now.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if need to take your key fob out every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto key cutting near me club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace 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, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is damaged or lost, 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 were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.