You'll Be Unable To Guess Cut Car Key's Tricks
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are sticking 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 also a great way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. motorcycle key cutting of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.