Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to operate the device.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in 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 embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time a key is inserted. Over time the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob each time you use it from the protective case.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. nearest key cutting to using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain 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 be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.