Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. 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 intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones 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. They connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition, 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 turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and check whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or call it up by pressing a button. key cutting open now 's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you need to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with the standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to secure their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.