Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer onboard checks the serial number digitally of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned on in 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 starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. They also function as used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. places to get keys cut near me to using a traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different options to pick from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your car.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.