Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide 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.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used 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 in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside 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 as used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to have an 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 is sent to the module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. read this post here are also used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows 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 casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to take your key fob out every time you use it from the case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you are still able to operate your locks, trunk and doors.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.