Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can 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 chips are tiny microchips inside the key cut's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
car key cutting and programming keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible 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 at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is introduced. Over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter 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 vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
nearest key cutting fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to take your key fob out every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a car key cut near me a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut (article source) there are a variety of options available for you to pick from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys use 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 are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key cut place fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.