Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars 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 unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard checks the serial number digitally of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of 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 through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
her latest blog employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to 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 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 may start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is placed. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need 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 putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a new key and see if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They can also be used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you must take your key fob out every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. key cutting car means that they only work 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 an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.