Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer in the car is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to prevent 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 that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each when the key is introduced. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. my response of use of this technology is compromised if need to remove your key fob each time you use it from the case.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased 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.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.