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Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car’s onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop «hot wiring» or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car’s chip, which is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that’s not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It’s just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent 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 vehicle secure from theft however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car key cutters near me will not start.
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’s not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you’re in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That’s a lot to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, which is where it’s easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats 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 way to protect a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how important your car’s keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you’d spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car key cutters near me, as long as you haven’t exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car Key cutting price key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you’re within certain distance.
If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for car key cutting price those who want to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren’t present in your car, it won’t respond to the signals from the key and won’t start.