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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who cuts car keys near me provide these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys cutting near me and can help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to operate the device.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is inserted. Over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They can also be a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost to get car key cut of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote sidewinder key cutting. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to utilize a traditional key cutting services near me your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.