Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming an object of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most common in luxury cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent 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 activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and 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 often combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the protective case.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can 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 drawback of using a traditional key is that it needs to 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 an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.