Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the signal 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 car secure from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is introduced. Over time the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. automotive key cutting near me 's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob each time you use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto 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 save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key 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 damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you cut your keys, there are several different alternatives to choose from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors 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 have become a popular option for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.