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Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car is able to verify the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They are also available at a few automotive key cutting near me stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large range of keys and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required for the device to function.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches 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 isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and, over time, 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 solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They are also an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time in purses and pockets which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often 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 to safeguard the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of alternatives to select from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser key cutting near me-cut new car key near me with enhanced security features.

Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and 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 device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.