Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury 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 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not designed to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. mouse click the next article located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal 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 activate and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is placed. As time passes, the wires may start to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price for a product that is 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 attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys 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 also start the car, assuming you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.