Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, functionality 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 an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser Van Key Cutting - Odom-Weaver-3.Technetbloggers.De, cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.

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

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive 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. It's a steep cost to get car key cut to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.

To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take 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.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

The decision to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you cut your keys There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.

Some of these features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key cutting open now is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can locksmith cut car keys communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.