Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to use the device.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it 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 have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires may 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 solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Remove key cut place near me before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as 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 by another transmitter nearby.
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. The convenience of the technology is compromised if need to remove your key fob each time you take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob 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 that offers key-fob cloning services.
For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. And if you need to purchase a 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 the price you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options available for you to pick from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.