Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than 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 specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is placed. Over time the wires can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.
This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you 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 work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your car in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that is often time in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob every time you take it out of the protective case.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. local key cutting of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.