Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car examines the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. 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 auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable 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 in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could start to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine 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 could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They also function as used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. replacement car key cutting can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific 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 disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually 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 coming from the key, and will not start.
