Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers 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 inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
key cutting cost is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They can also be a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to take your key fob out every time you take it out of the protective case.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. key cutting services near me can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past 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. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.