Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a huge range of keys and can help you find the best one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires can start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. key cut for car can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That'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 dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. 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, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned 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, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.