Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a vast selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most common in luxury cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches 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. replacement car key cutting does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, 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 can start to break. Once 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 solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine 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 opportunity to test a new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, replacement car key cutting have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you use it from the case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different options to choose from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.