Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys 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 equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however it could delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and see whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed at 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 is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. key cutting cost offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car 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 provide extra security to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.