Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded 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 carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
auto key cutting machine is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and 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 cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them 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 car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the key and won't be able to start.