Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. car key cutting and programming is most commonly found in high-end vehicles 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. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 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 with time, the wires can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. car key cutting cost function as used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks 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 use it from the case.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase 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 on hand in the event that 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. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
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 pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make 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 key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.