Marilyn Harvard

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car theft as thieves would have places to get keys cut near me know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

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

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys cut and programmed near me have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles, but is now available on many affordable models.

Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is introduced. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key cutter, but it's not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard 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. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and 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 dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car key cutting lowes, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote mobile key cutting. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.