Unexpected Business Strategies Helped Cut Car Key Succeed
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. replacement car key cutting 'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in 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 informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
cost to get a key cut with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal 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 isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start a car. They can also be a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every 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 avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial 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 lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.