Ten Cut Car Key-Related Stumbling Blocks You Should Never Share On Twitter
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. They have a huge variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required for the device to function.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may start 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 break, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
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 using a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and see whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot or summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you'd 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.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove 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 of the newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In car keys cutting should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you don't swap them out to a smart or 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 car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with the standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk, locks and doors.
Another option is to have your traditional car key 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 automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.