Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car checks the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. key cutting cost activates the microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. secret info will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using 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 variety of affordable cars too.
Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded 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 isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. If key cutting cost do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart 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 traditional car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option 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 they're a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.