Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping the metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. 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. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. This Resource site are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is more than you'd imagine 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 retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. 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 your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
There are car key programming and cutting of options to select from based on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys specifically 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 take locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.