Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They are also available at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a vast range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that 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 cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected 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 it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft 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 move each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires can start to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal 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 is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware 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 help you locate your car in a lot or summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep price for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob every time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement 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.
For source for this article of drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, assuming you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. car key cutting ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the range of your car.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk and doors.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are now a popular option for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the key and won't be able to start.