Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.
Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). mobile key cutting 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 Key isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. key cut place is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees 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 a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you misplace yours. keys cut near me now offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.