Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car key cutting service detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, 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 car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message 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 starts to run. This isn't a way to make a car key cutting service safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob each time you use it from the protective case.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from the 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 open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many options to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. 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 it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought 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 standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are now a popular option for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.