Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. car key cutting cost is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with 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 secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time a key is introduced. Over time, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and see whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They also function as an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that is often time in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys 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 it can only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to protect their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.