Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. automobile keys made near me does not make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.
This method is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They also function as used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with a standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain 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 from the key and won't start.