Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have 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 designed to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or 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 embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires can start to break. When enough wires break then 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 solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have 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, and then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
source website fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected 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 pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.