Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming the metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. cut car keys price can help you program your car's chip which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors 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 car safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. They also function as an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
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. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your car.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.