Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting car key machines or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.
Another type of car key that is 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 with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is placed. As time passes the wires could start to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to see 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 work in your vehicle.
Smart mobile key cutting Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They are also an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your cheap car key cutting's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you have 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 the price you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut There are many options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get a car key cut near me your standard online car key cutting key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.