Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge variety 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 for the device to function.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires break, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply 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 as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at most hardware stores. the advantage is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.