Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. cutting car key are in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.
Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain range of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.