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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll need 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 installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with 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.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the automotive key cutting that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the 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 begins to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. Over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key cutting locksmith near me. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. 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 also a good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start cars. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob every time you need to take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like 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 start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional cheap car key cutting near me motorcycle key cutting near me has been lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your car 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 specific range of your car.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make getting a key cut near me new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are 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 these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.