Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer onboard checks the serial number digitally of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This stops thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. Over time the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by 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 way to test a new key and check whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. site of the technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob every time you use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. site can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with 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 into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.