Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, 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 can always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car examines the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to start. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This prevents 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 car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost 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 key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time the key is placed. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. They can also be a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that is often time in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new car 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 purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the distance of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.