Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming the metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. Over time the wires could start to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In car key cutter near me is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has 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 automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are 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.