Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. They have a huge variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in 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 verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 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 on the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time a key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. If cost to get a key cut are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start a car. They are also a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that is often time in purses and pockets which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys have advanced features such as 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. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips 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.