Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and 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 that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. pop over to this site as AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches 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 doesn't 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 begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a 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 prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start 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 put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.