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Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to start. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
Laser cut key cut places near me are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a resistor that is 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. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They 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 one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
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 and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these modern features that come with modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks and doors.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.