Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer onboard is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip that is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few 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 utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors 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 car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. 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.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within the range of your car.
If cost to get a key cut decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.