Graig Pickett

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car nearest key cutting or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed for the device to function.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting (visit web site) equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of automobiles as well.

Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each when the key is introduced. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. 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 is a great method to test a new key and see whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key cutting price first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge price for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to take your key fob out every time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event you should have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned cheap car key cutting key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.

If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks and doors.

Another option is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.