Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming an object of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and cars 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 verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a 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 the starter circuit will be activated 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 long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires break then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and check if it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of 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 remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often 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.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob each time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. local key cutting can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast 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 designed to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.