Here's A Little-Known Fact Regarding Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal 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 starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start 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 use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. Over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking space or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, cut car keys near me that added features can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.