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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys. It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times. Transponder Keys If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it. The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This will stop the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of theft of cars. Locksmiths who offer these services can design car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it. You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in many affordable models of cars as well. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's 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 stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right 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 a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance value. GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't 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 use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module is 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. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you need 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 of your key. This method is also a good way to test a new key to see if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle. Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer. Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near. One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the protective case. Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning. The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. If why not find out more do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd spend at a dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created. There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features. Some of these features that come with modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle. If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks and doors. Another alternative is to get your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.