Ten Easy Steps To Launch Your Own Cut Car Key Business
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends 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 who offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed for the device to function.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a 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 the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each when the key is introduced. Over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely 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 features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want 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 as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it is 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.
For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, cheap key cutting and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or 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 key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
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 early 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.