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 longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. cutting key in the car scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need 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. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips that 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 black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each when the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether 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 value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. They also function as a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends much of its 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 devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.