Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates 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 prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of cars as well.
Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected 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 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can 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 can start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and see if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
find out here now fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They are also a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price 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 moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you've 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 have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a certain range of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.