Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board detects 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 taking over your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
car key cutting and programming G28 Car Keys that offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best 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 purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is sent 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. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is placed. Over time the wires can start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and check whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start cars. They can also be a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob every time you want to take it out of the protective case.
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 reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
There are a variety of options to select 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 have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the distance of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.