Car Key cutting key Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard examines the serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. Over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get keys cut your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.