20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Cut Car Key Fans Know
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create 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 right one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars 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 embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car may begin 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. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and check if it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. 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 allow you to summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, keys cut near me now offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than 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 made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If keys cut near me now has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with the standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.