What Is The Secret Life Of Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
cutting car keys near me the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have 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 to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade, so that when the key fob cut near me is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it can delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to see if it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing the button. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart emergency key cutting fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto key cutting near me club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit 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
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. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get keys cut a new one created.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.
