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 even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. he said in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They are also available at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cut ting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few 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 makes use of a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was 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 used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches 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 safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start the car. They often 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 emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you need to take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.