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 durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars as well.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance 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 made of metal visible on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. local key cutting have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut There are many options available for you 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.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk, locks and doors.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.