Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars as well.
Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key is turned on, 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 activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe 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 can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. 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 will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you need to take your key fob out every time you use it from the case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it gets 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 want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. Going In this article will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of 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 an Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.