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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys. It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need a new key cut. Transponder Keys Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it. The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop 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. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed to use the device. There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too. Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant 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 or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as 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 VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to. GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If cheap key cutting matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it can delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes. Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every when the key is placed. As time passes the wires can begin to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car. The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key. This is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They also function as used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer. Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter. One method of protecting a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology. Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. nearest key cutting can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning. The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership. Traditional Keys The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional 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 a Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank. There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind. Some of these modern features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within the range of your car. If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks 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 now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.