Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right 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 low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on 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 begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. Over time the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your car in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like 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 an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must 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 the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut There are many options to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. car key cutting came out in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.