Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely to have 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 computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. get keys cut are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each 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 wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and determine if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start a car. They also function as used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make a new key with the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or 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 with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.