Car Key cutting car Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on 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 twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is placed. Over time the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Remove the 24 hour key cutting from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners aren't 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 aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these modern features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car which 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 communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the range of your car.

If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you can still operate your locks, trunk, and doors.

You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key cut place.