Car key cutting is more than just forming the metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft 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. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test out a new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
car keys cut near me charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep price for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a 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. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.
