Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You will need a new car key cutting near me prices key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car examines the serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed to operate the device.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional 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 with special key cutting software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black 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 which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your car key cutting and programming near me. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who cuts car keys near me have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto key cutting club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.