Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car checks the serial number digitally of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
mobile key cutting
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal matches 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 isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.