Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. They have a vast range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make a new key with a standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. local key cutting were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to protect their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't start.