Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard checks the digital serial number of the chip before it allows the car to start. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
please click the up coming document with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.
Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed 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 cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can fix 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 placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and see 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 may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They often 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 lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or call it up by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean 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. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends much of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if need to take your key fob out every time you use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a 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 has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult 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 car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.