You ll Never Guess This Cut Car Key s Tricks
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever 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 be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the mobile car key cutting's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, nearby 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 secure from theft however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires break then the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. 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 function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start a car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget 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 or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced 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 it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.
