Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can help you find the best one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than 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 special software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent 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 through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 doesn't make a car burglar-proof however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test out a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
key cutting cost fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They also function as used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you take it out of the protective case.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.
For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make a new key with a standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.