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Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the signal 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 does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is placed. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard 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 metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. key cutting open now function as a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that is often time in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you need to 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 pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's 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 to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take 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 only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.
