Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip, which is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
get keys cut used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time the key is introduced. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. 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 call it up by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination 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 store it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional 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.
The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would buy from a 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 can open your locks and start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with a standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or 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 with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.