Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent 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 begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each when the key is introduced. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether 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 number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the 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 open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. car cutting out -theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to have 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 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, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.