Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard examines the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required to operate the device.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than 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 type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
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Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
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 in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. 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 gauge on the prongs made of metal sticking out 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 opportunity to test out a new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They are also used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
To safeguard 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. However, having to remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you cut your keys There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't start.