Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. Click Link offer a wide selection 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. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, 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 inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to 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 secure from theft however it can delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot or summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.