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 uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key cutting price to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
(Image: https://g28carkeys.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ford-New.png)Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This prevents thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This prevents the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now accessible 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 have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted 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 does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
24 hour key cutting fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car 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 a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser cut car keys near me-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these modern features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.