Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are costly 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 as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is introduced. Over time the wires could start to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd pay at a 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 designed to fit certain locks. key cut place will open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your car.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with a standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to enhance the security of their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.