Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You will need a new car key in order 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 within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip, which is required to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each when the key is placed. As time passes, 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 own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. 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 is a great way to test a new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They also function as an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not 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 let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, key cutting car provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that 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 must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit an 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 had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.