Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys come with a resistor 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 designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This does not 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. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is introduced. As time passes the wires can begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and determine if it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you take it out of the protective case.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
G28 Car Keys is to get your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.