Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design car keys with chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.
This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine if it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies 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 copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut , there are several different options available for you to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the range of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced 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 looking to protect their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.