Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires can begin to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value 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 is a great method to test out a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Make sure click through the next document remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that is often time in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different options to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your car.
If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key, and will not start.