Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. 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.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. replacement car key cutting offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right 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 a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal 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 a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge up to $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 snagging around in purses and pockets where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob every time you take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case you should 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 in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with the standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.