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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys. It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut. Transponder Keys If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number. The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop “hot wiring” or other methods of stealing cars. Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it. You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models. Another kind of car key that's hard 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 any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths. Keys to VATS Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance. GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is placed. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car. You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. cost to get a key cut need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key. This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car. Smart Key Fobs Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They can also be a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space or let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer. Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter. One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to take your key fob out every time you take it out of the protective case. Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning. For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event you should have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would pay at the dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank. Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind. Some of these features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance. If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk. You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.