Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions 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 "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of cars as well.
Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay thieves for 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 small wires in the ignition move each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that is often time in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to choose from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. automotive key cutting near me ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who wish to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.