Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees 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 can always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The 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 only if the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip, which is required to operate the device.
Laser cut mobile key cutting are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned 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 the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is inserted. As time passes the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
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 is not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.
This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and 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 device or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time 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 shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these features that come with modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.