Car Key cutting car Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars with chips. They are also available at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required for the device to function.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting (via Atavi) machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars too.
Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost 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 own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are visible 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 opportunity to test a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They also function as an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event you should have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures 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 incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with the standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.