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Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cut ting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They can also be used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming 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 often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods 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 via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob each time you use it from the protective case.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old 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 also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is 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 won't start.
