Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency 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. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. car key cutting cost are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin 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 may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have 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 device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. car key cutting cost have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional 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 who offers key fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than the price 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. investigate this site are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.