Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in 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's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be sent 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 activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each when the key is introduced. Over time the wires could start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. automobile keys made near me can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.