You'll Never Guess This Cut Car Key's Tricks
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from stealing your car 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 then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can help you find the right one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor 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 car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every when the key is placed. Over time the wires can begin to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. 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 not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that a lot of 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, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking space, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of 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 traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. local key cutting were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.
