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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys. It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut. Transponder Keys If your car was built in the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number. The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This will stop “hot wiring” or other methods to steal cars. Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars too. Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths. VATS Keys Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value. GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes. Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can start to break. Once 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 issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key. This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and check if it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle. Smart Key Fobs Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They can also be a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer. In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. car keys cut 's a lot to pay for a device that spends much of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby. keys cut for cars to protect a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must 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 as well as extended warranties will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning. The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership. Traditional Keys The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank. Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys There are many options to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys made with security features in mind. Some of these features that come with modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the range of your car. If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors. You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.