Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of car key that's 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 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. key cutting car 's a high price for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, assuming you don't replace them with 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 traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your car.
If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.