Automotive Security
Automobile security is evolving at a rapid pace, it seems that with each model year manufacturers change or add technologies, model by model. There seems to be an acute lack of standardization of security methods. Some of this is driven by manufacturers trying to monopolize servicing of security systems, some is driven by the insurance industry.
If you own a car that is less than 5 years old, it is possible that you have one of the following ignition security technologies installed.
- Vats – used in selected GM models, key has an electronic chip embedded in it that has a specific resistance, that must match a like chip in the lock, before ignition will operate.
- Pats – or pass key, a similar technology to Vats
- Transponder – 4 of every 5 new cars and 50% of cars less than 5 years old use some form of this technology. Transponder technology, which is little more than a transmitter and a receiver combined on one chip, is not new. This is the same technology that allows an aircraft to show up as a unique object on an air traffic controllers radar screen, and has been around since about 1944.
Transponders currently in use by the automotive industry are a bit more sophisticated, and are powered by chips manufactured by 5 different companies, using slightly different technology. This results in different methods of cloning, duplicating or originating new keys for your car. Some can be duplicated and then programmed to your car, without the use of external programmers. Others can only be duplicated and then programmed with the use of external programmers. And some cannot be duplicated at all.
With all of the variables, obtaining a duplicate or replacement ignition key to a transponder equipped car, can be confusing, and expensive. Some of them can be serviced by us, others only by the dealer, and some only by the manufacturer.
As a consumer you need to be sure that you obtain complete instructions when you purchase a new car. If you are buying a used car, you can only hope that the documentation comes with the car. The importance of obtaining an adequate number of duplicate keys, at the time of purchase, cannot be overstated. Even duplicate keys are going to be expensive. A typical price range is $25.00 up to $100.00.
Whitlow’s Security Specialists has invested heavily in the specialized equipment and training needed to service transponder keys and systems. If you have questions about you transponder equipped car, call us, if we cannot help you we will point you in the right direction.
