Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. g28carkeys stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a vast 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 necessary for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips 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 VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start the car. They are also an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing the button. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The 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 security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create a new key with a standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to provide extra security to their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.