Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If it 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. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each when the key is placed. Over click over here , the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They also function as an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys have advanced features like 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 makes it only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with the standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.