Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car is able to verify the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. G28 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 a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message 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 begins to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. Each 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 of the wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They are also used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.