Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to operate the device.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that'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 equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires break then the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. car key cuts near me 's a huge cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob every time you take it out of the protective case.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.
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. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.