Test: How Much Do You Know About Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of 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 to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key cutter. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars that had 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 internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is introduced. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great way to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car keys cut by code.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. They also function as a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can get keys cut from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you need to take your honda pilot key cutting fob out every time you want to use it from the case.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto key cutting near me club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making 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 makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with the standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.
