Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars, but 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. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches 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 safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since cost to get a key cut had your keys cut There are many options available for you to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft 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 certain range of your car.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.