Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. car key cutting cost activates microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to operate the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed 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 advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade, so 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 signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires break then the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. car key cutting machine can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.