Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor 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 intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected 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 matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. All you need 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 examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. linked here are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you need to take your key fob out every time you take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have an extra 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 most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, assuming 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 have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many alternatives to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
key cutting services have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.
