Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance 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 hanging out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out 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 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 car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. They also function as a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often 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.
To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. spare car keys cut are made to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make a new key with the standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.