Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal 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 isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires break then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends much of its time in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the protective case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. key cutter for cars makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.