Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of 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
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. They are also available at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as 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 VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key, so 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 begins to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time the key is placed. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. keys cut near me now G28 Car Keys have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest 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 save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different options to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to add extra protection to 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 installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.