Who's The World's Top Expert On Cut Car Key?
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars too.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and 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 resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. They can also be a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is 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 by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with a standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.