Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. They have a huge range of keys and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the 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 used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time the key is inserted. As time passes the wires can start to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key 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 simply unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you want to 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, will pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. car keys cut and programmed will open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.