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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys. It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll require 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 past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it. The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. motorcycle key cutting activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars. Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work. You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. cost to get a key cut are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to. GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes. Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires break then 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 yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key. This is a great way to test out a new key and check if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They can also be a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer. In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter. To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the case. Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a 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 the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank. Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced. Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance. If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors. You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.
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