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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is more than just forming the metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys. It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number. The microchip in your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents “hot wiring” or other methods of stealing cars. Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to operate the device. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models. Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys 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 cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to. GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes. Unfortunately, after key cutting services near me of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could 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 of a key by using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key. This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start cars. They can also be an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer. Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near. One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the protective case. Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services. The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership. Traditional Keys The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created. You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features. Some of these features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within certain distance. If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk. Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.