Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If it matches 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 theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. 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 method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like 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 another transmitter close to.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, cutting car key of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep a spare key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options to pick from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
car key cut is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.