Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming the 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. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed for the device to function.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available 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. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
key cut place
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a car safe 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 could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They also function as a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by 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 purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If keys cut near me now is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from most 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.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't start.