Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This stops theft of vehicles, 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. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can begin to break. Once cutting key are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can resolve this issue at home 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 that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a new key and determine whether 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 may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob every time you use it from the case.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would 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 designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.