Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your online car key cutting or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of 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 right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These getting keys cut have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.
Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right automobile key cutting near me was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car key cutting and programming may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and check if it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may 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 also function as used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every 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 coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
You can also replace your traditional car keys 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 looking to secure their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.