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Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
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Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition 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 starts to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time the key is placed. As time passes the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that allows 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 put it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always 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. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper 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 for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.
