알마즌닷컴

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car examines the digital serial number of the chip before it allows the car to start. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.

Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or vehicles 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 emergency Key cutting is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to 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 doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if need to take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For the majority of 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 it is advisable to keep an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside 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 car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't start.