Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car examines the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to start. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature 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 meant to. replacement car key cutting are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold 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 in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start a car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep price for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal case or put it in 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 want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.