Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. key cut place '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. They attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They also function as a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep price for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to put it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. get keys cut makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.