Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending 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 keys or even break it in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need 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. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins 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 lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires may start to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. he said 's a huge price for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
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. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the case.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate your locks, trunk and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. key cutter were first introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those looking to safeguard their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.