spare car key cutting Near Me Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The onboard computer checks the serial number digitally of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This prevents “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 have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature getting a new car key cut black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted 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 isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and see if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key cut for car near me fob from a protective case each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys cut for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting car keys near me machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
(Image: https://g28carkeys.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/renault-logo-evolution.jpg)Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.
