15 Things You Didn't Know About Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending 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. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can help you get 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. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
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 uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the 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 will start to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough of key cutting services are broken the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key. Then look at linked here of the ohmmeter 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 car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They are also an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends much of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on the importance of 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 case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.