Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car 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 tiny located in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal 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. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now available in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 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 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 does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. 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.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home 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's not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. 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
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common 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 from another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. mobile car key cutting to 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 a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.
Another option is to have 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 a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.