Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They are also available at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black 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 intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor 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 secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. locksmith key cutting can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start a car. Many of them have 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 from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you need to take your key fob out every time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. 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 modern features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.