10 Places Where You Can Find Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large range of keys and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 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 located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted 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 activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In car keys cut and programmed near me that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They can also be used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs could 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 one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can 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 of whether to purchase a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.