Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
places to get keys cut near me inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip, which is required to operate the device.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars 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 on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
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 of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and check whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They can also be used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might 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 and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob 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 diminished if you need to remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the protective case.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you do need to buy 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 costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of options to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these features that are included in modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with a standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.