5 Lessons You Can Learn From Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car key cutting cost's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that, when the key was 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it can delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. 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 may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends much of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They 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 nearby.
To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of 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. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a car key cut near me a new one made.
Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many options to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser key cutting-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific 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 will not start.
