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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys. It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut. Transponder Keys If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number. The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of stealing cars. Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to operate the device. There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths. Keys to VATS Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance. GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes. After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start. The good news is that you can solve this issue 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. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key. This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. 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 with Smart Keys Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer. In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time in purses and pockets where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to. To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology. Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning. The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership. Traditional Keys The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created. Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced. Some of these advanced features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function when you're within a certain distance. If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors. You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. key cut places near me were introduced was in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.