Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned in the ignition 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is introduced. Over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, 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. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. 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 way to test out a new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition emergency key cutting first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start a car. They can also be used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event you should have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to use a traditional key cutting places, your locksmith can design a new key with the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional car keys 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 looking to safeguard their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.