Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
To protect a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the case.
Fortunately, key cutting open now -insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies 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 charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with 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 start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to protect their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.