Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. their explanation can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. car cutting out or a block which is sized to have an 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 on, the key blades transmit a coded message to 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on 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
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these features that are included in modern-day 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 device. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.