Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual 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 built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer in the car is able to verify the serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key cutter sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting - maps.Google.com.br, machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition the 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 starts to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as 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 avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key cutting open now. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the local key cutting fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.