Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car key cutting lowes checks the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a 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 of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start a car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge price 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 humidity. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you have to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The cheap car key cutting near me key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car key cutting price, provided you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get car key cut a new one made.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you cut your keys, there are several different options available for you to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to secure their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.