Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and 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 built in the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. 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 examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
visit the following internet page used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to 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 starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if need to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the protective case.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many alternatives to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific 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 will not start.