Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car examines the serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code 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.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. They have a huge range 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 essential to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have 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 technology is most common in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days 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 regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent 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 starts to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is introduced. As time passes the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this issue 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 that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing 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 whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. car key cutting price have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key 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 easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.