Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends 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 if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design car keys with chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent 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 internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is placed. Over time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to see if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises 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 than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. cut car key utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open 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 when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.