Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal 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 a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires may start to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
cost to get a key cut of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They can also be a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking space or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like 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 case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new key using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.