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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is much more than just forming the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys. It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times. Transponder Keys If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to start. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it. The microchip in your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This will stop “hot wiring” or other methods to steal cars. Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed to operate the device. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on many affordable models. Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. locksmith key cutting have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance. GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes. Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car. The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key. This is a great opportunity to test a new key and determine if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car. Smart Key Fobs Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer. In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that is often time in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby. One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the case. Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. 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 most drivers, the decision to purchase 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 an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would 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. These keys will open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank. You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features. Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within certain distance. If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors. Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.