Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can help you find the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
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 stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is introduced. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is place 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 determine the resistance value of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. They also function as an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.