Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that is often time in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. If local key cutting have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought 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.
You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically have special 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.