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Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer in the car examines the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles 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 embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test out a new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. automotive key cutting 's a huge price for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. car key cutting cost have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take 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 newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.
