Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed for the device to function.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
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 key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each when the key is introduced. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. 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 can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They are also an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that is often time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to keep it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob every time you use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. car key cutting price will open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't start.