Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few 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 makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and check whether it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. 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 usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
Depending on how long 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 employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only function 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 using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks and doors.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. navigate here were introduced was in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.