Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that car key cutting mobile are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer onboard examines the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. 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. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in many affordable models of cars as well.
Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in 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 internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by 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 purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within the range of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.