Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car examines the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be 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 starts to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can start to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to 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
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They are also an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
One way to protect a 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, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. G28 of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.