• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in the double sided key cutting near me transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can make car key cutting and programming near me keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.

Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a 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. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent 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 will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each when the key is placed. As time passes the wires can start to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the local key cutting. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start a car. They can also be used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob each time you use it from the case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific range of your car.

If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.