Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another type of car key that is 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 fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system 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 being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself 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 put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. key cut service will block the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event, you should always 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 vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with the 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 damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.