Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in 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 will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires can begin to break. When car key cutting and programming near me break, 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 solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove locksmith key cutting before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking space, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob each time you use it from the protective case.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 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 programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.