Car Key Cutting Explained

car key cutting service near me key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. 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 will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles, but is now available on many affordable models.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start places to get keys cut near me run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 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 reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start cars. They also function as a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having 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 car in a parking space, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can get car key cut from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob every time you need to take it out of the protective case.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.