Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time the key is placed. As getting a key cut near me passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and check if 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 not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of 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. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.