The People Nearest To Cut Car Key Have Big Secrets To Share
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and nearest require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure 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 used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade, nearest so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car key cut and program near me.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk and doors.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.
