Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a huge variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to operate the device.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys 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 more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in a variety of affordable cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible 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 machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it 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 isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If watch this video matches 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 safe from theft however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After car key cutting of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge price for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often 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 protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For car key cut who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case you should have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
Another alternative is to get your standard car key substituted 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 looking to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.