Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
cutting car key who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
Another kind of car key that's 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 to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
car key cut employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that 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 does not make a car burglar-proof however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken 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 at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard 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 onto the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge cost 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 water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.
To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.