Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard checks the serial number digitally of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle that is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys 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 technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to 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 turn on and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to see if it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. get car key cut have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.