Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in 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 turn the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can help you find the best one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of key for cars 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 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If it 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 does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car 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 may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
The good news is that you can solve this issue 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 that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. 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 summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to 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 blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is 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 fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.
If automotive key cutting near me choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.
