Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
local key cutting that offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. 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. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact 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 matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and see whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start a car. They can also be used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event you should have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many options available for you to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks and doors.
You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.