Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to operate the device.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent 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. locksmith key cutting doesn't make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires within 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 won't start.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if need to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the case.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys There are many alternatives to select from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. local key cutting is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.
