The Secret Secrets Of Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, 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 are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip in 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 be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. They have a huge variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time a key is introduced. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, cheap key cutting of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars 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 one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.