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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys. It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips in the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number. The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. 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 will stop the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of theft of cars. Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to use the device. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars, but is now available on many affordable models. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value. laser key cutting near me employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes. After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each when the key is inserted. Over time the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin. You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key. This is a great way to test out a new key and see if it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car. Smart Key Fobs Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They are also used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer. In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high 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 humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near. To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the protective case. Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services. The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership. Traditional Keys The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank. Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced. Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function when you're within a certain distance. If you opt to use a conventional, 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 transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks and doors. Another alternative is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to secure their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.