Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer checks the serial number digitally of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. where to get a car key cut will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only found 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 an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches 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 doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way 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 number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the case.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.