www.g28carkeys.co.uk Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.
Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is placed. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use an 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 every time you want to use it from the protective case.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.