Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency 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 you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting 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 some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent 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 will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is introduced. Over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires break 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 at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test out a new key and check whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. car key cutting cost can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the protective case.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare fob or key in case you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.