Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips in the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. key cut place will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM 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 the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time a key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob every time you take it out of the protective case.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. key cut place can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with the standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.