Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being 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 a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start cars. They can also be a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot or summon it by pressing a button. cost to cut car key 's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal 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 every time you 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 new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, provided you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only downside 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 lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys, there are several different alternatives to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.