Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer onboard examines the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.
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 can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
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Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
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. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to secure their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.