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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 procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys. It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it. The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop “hot wiring” or other methods of stealing cars. Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable automobiles as well. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths. VATS Keys Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value. GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal 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 does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes. Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car. The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. getting a new car key cut have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key. This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car. Smart Key Fobs Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer. Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to. To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology. Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning. The decision to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would spend at a dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank. There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features. Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within certain distance. If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors. Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.