Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. key cutting open now will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required for the device to function.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars 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 internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the 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 provide an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with 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 secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time the key is inserted. As time passes the wires can begin to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to 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 function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
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. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by 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 important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.
Modern keys have advanced features like 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 work only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to protect their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.