Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized 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. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts 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 long period of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
mobile key cutting for cars that are more recent, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different options to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.