Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would 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 the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After car key cutting price of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
car key cutting price is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge price for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. 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 easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key 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 have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys There are many alternatives to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.