Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed to use the device.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or 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 a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. Over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
click this link now can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is also a good way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start a car. They can also be an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith 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 entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.
