Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This 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 "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a vast selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system 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 VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult 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 onto the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key. 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 a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, automotive key cutting near me provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the range of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.