Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). cutting key makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with the signal 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 doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and over time the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They also function as an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage 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 a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.