Car Key Cutting Explained<br /><br />Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.<br /><br />It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.<br /><br />Transponder Keys<br /><br />If your car was built in the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.<br /><br /><br /><br />The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.<br /><br />Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.<br /><br />Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.<br /><br />Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.<br /><br />VATS Keys<br /><br />Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.<br /><br />GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.<br /><br />After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. <a href="https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-cutting-near-me/">click through the next document</a> is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and over time the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.<br /><br />The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.<br /><br />This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.<br /><br />Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys<br /><br />Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.<br /><br />Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.<br /><br />To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.<br /><br />Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.<br /><br />For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case you lose it. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would spend at a dealership.<br /><br />Traditional Keys<br /><br />Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.<br /><br />Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.<br /><br />Some of these features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within a specific distance.<br /><br />If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.<br /><br />Another option is to have 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 are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.<br /><br />