Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer examines 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 in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
car key cut who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special 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 called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to 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 begins to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. When enough wires are broken, 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 at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto 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 way to test a new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost 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.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut 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 exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't start.