Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The 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 it's not designed 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 and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message 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 start to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. However, please click the up coming document means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most 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 could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals coming from the key, and will not start.