Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). cut car keys makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could 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. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. You can find 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 method to test a new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as 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 by another transmitter near.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important 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 in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut There are many alternatives to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle which makes it harder 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 work when it's within the range of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to safeguard their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.