Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. laser key cutting near me examines the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within 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 this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached 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 is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often utilized 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.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the case.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.