Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car 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 unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside 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 begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. local key cutting offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle 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 due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available 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 with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If locksmith key cutting matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. 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 way to test a new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the car. They can also be used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that is often time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.