Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with the 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 method to test out a new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even know about. had me going can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean 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 will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take 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, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.