Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and check whether it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. 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 the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you use it from the case.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 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 carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. g28carkeys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these features that come with modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you decide to utilize 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 cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.