Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car key cutting price detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the mobile car key cutting. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is 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 as used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted 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 vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They can also be used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest 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 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 most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain range of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.