Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys cut and programmed near me.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal 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 isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could start to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key cutting services near me and determine whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed 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. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if need to remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get a car key cut near me your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare car key cutting near me fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to secure their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.