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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 complicated process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys. It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number. The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops “hot wiring” or other methods of stealing cars. Locksmiths who offer these services can design 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 help you find the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device. There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models. Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance. GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected the key blades to them so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes. After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires can start to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car. You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key. This is a great way to test a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer. Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends much of its time in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter. To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to take your key fob out every time you want to take it out of the protective case. Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning. The decision to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created. Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many options to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind. Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a certain range of your car. If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors. Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If nearest key cutting aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.