Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. 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 designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called 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 being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires can start to break. When car key programming and cutting have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and check whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking space or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob every time you use it from the case.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys 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 function when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.