The People Closest To Cut Car Key Uncover Big Secrets
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. click through the next document is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the 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 car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor 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 like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the 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 safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is introduced. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to 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 function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge price for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.