Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. key cutting cost can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it 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 a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. As time passes the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and check if it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They also function as a security device 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, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if need to remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.
Fortunately, some of the newer 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 new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote 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 key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.