Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. Suggested Website that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time a key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires break, 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 at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
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. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional 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 open your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote 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 car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.