Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system 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 black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and check if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. key cutting open now can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the case.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys There are many alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If cost to get a key cut aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.