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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys. It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it. The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This prevents “hot wiring” or other methods of stealing cars. Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the best one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it. You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths. auto key cutting to VATS Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value. GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, a 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes. After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module is 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. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key. This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, auto key cutting may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car. Smart Key Fobs Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by the dealer. In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter. To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you need to take your key fob out every time you want to take it out of the protective case. Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning. For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership. Traditional Keys The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made. There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced. Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle, making it more 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 connect to your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance. If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. automotive key cutting is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors. Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those who wish to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.