Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming the metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits 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 it is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. They have a vast variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which 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 with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. www.g28carkeys.co.uk doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is placed. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
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 using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper 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 to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.