Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual 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 fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. cost to get a key cut can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have 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 common in luxury cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones present in 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 the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft, 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 start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and check whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many options available for you to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys have 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 another security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut key cutting open now have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.