Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside 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 your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can start 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. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and check whether it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. 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 allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.