Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge 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 required to make it work.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 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 start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out 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 way to test a new key and see if it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your cheap car key cutting near me.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They also function as an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. 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 features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutting locksmith near me cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a mobile key cutting service fob or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car 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 who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.