Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming the metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your 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 prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they 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 available in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal 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 like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this issue 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 putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They are also used as a security device and 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 make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as 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 the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are 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 that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your car.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.