Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the 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 starts to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start a car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like 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.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you use it from the case.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, as long as 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 car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. car key cutting came out in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for people who want to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.