Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This prevents thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This will stop the use of ”hot wiring” and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some automotive key cutting near me retailers such as AutoZone sell them. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to operate the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires break, 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 by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your mobile key cutting.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
One method of protecting 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 convenience of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who cuts car keys near me (Https://peatix.com/User/24244310) offers motorcycle key cutting fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard automotive key cutting near me cutter machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
(Image: https://g28carkeys.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ford-New.png)You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to enhance the security of their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.
