Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming the metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to 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 starts to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are 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. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, places to get keys cut near me that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob each time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key in case you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If car key cutting and programming near me is damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it 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 range of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most 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 that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.