Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They are also available at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required for the device to function.
There are also laser cut auto key cutting that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent 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 activate and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least fifteen 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 tiny wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out 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 meter on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price for a device that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the 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, 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 dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
car key cutting and programming is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.