Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. get car key cut are tiny inside the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have 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. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your car in a parking space or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be 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 kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have 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 the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Some 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 more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.