Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required to operate the device.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is most common in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. 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 car that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the 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 will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is placed. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself 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 is not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or 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 traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you cut your keys. Recommended Studying employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult 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 certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create 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 a transponder. you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.