Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. car key cutting mobile stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it 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 present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time a key is introduced. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. 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 determine whether it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start the car. They can also be a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or call it up by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and 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 new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that is available 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.
Another option is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those who wish to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.