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Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car examines the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
car key cutting cost with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was 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 used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could start to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing the button. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been 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 take locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.