Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can help you find the best one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional 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 specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
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 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 be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. key cutting services function as an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the case.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys There are many options to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.