Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. getting car key cut in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key 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 onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but 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. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and see if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They are also a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing the button. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge price for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, provided you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the distance of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with a standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to safeguard their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.