Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. mobile car key cutters that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition the 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 be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, 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 attacks, like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending 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 block the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if need to remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a 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.
The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different options to pick from when it comes to having another copy. 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 sure that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.