Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to operate the device.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed 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 vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 will start to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. 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 find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from 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 the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend 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 in a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. car key cut g28carkeys makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain range of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.