Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming 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 have it break off in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. key cutting open now have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is introduced. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They are also used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including 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 another transmitter near.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. 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.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to protect their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.