Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it's 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 is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. cut and program car keys of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If it 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 doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time a key is introduced. Over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test out a new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They also function as a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your car in a lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. 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 typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to store 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 every time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase an additional 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 it. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved 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. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.