Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.
Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. keys cut near me now that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade so that when the key is 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 starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires could start to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine 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 gauge on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and see whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take 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.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart 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 car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with 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 more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain 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 generated by the key.