Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer examines the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car keys cut and programmed's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some auto key cutting dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as 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 used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If it 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 burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Every time a mobile key cutting is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. 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 opportunity to test a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Emergency Key Cutting Fobs
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge price for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto car key cutting near me club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern 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 embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.