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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys. It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off 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 built within the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. getting a car key cut stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it. The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of taking cars. Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device. You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on many affordable models. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor 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 intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths. VATS Keys Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance. GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to the 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 begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes. After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car. You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key. This is a great method to test out a new key and see whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or call it up by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer. Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter. To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology. Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning. For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd pay 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 specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank. There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind. Some of these features that come with modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder 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 makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance. If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors. You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with 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 receive the signals coming from the key and won't start.