Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that 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 microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles, but is now available on many affordable models.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and see if it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as 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 do more than simply unlock and start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to call 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 added functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. car key cut and program can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event you should have 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 convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to provide extra security to 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 from the key, and will not start.