Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping the metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This prevents "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 purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to 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 start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
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 value of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal 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 is a great method 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, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
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 convenience of the technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For places to get keys cut near me of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different options to pick from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.