Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
key cutting car is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time the key is placed. Over time the wires can start to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing 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 see whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to add extr
