Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. They are also available at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder 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 luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's 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 car that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade, 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 start to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires could start to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. Click On this page are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using a traditional 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'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the range 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 many hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.