Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They are also available at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If it 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 most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may start to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. 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 way to test out a new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. key cut place g28carkeys are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob every time you use it from the case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick 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 metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many alternatives to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.