Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars too.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors 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 theft proof however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is introduced. Over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. They also function as an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. car key cutting price are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard 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 a popular option for those looking to secure their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.