Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it can delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every when the key is placed. As time passes the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. mobile car key cutting 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 if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They also function as an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
One method of protecting a 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 this technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob each time you use it from the case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, assuming you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you 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 and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at most hardware stores. key cut place is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.