Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car is able to verify the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars as well.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key is turned on, 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 begins to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage 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 with time, the wires could start to break. If Recommended Resource site are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have 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 an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased 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 locks, doors and trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those looking to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.