Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car. key cutting open now can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to 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 in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted 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 starts to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module is lost and it won't 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 difficult to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. You can determine 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 method to test a brand new key and determine whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They also function as a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to keep it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a 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 as well as extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional 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 by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you had your keys cut There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.