Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but 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 have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. laser key cutting near me can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and see whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They can also be used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers 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 damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the protective case.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a 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 starter functions are. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need 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 cut your keys there are a variety of options to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically 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 from the key and won't be able to start.