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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys. It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut. Transponder Keys If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it. The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This stops “hot wiring” or other methods to steal cars. Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a huge range of keys and can help you find the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device. There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable automobiles as well. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths. Keys to VATS Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is 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 found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value. GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to 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 start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes. After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires could begin to break. Once 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 problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key. agree with this is a great way to test a new key and check whether it works in your car. Just be sure to 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 vehicle. Smart Key Fobs Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They are also an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer. Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that is often time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter. One way to protect the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology. Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning. For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made. There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind. Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific range of your car. If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors. Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to protect their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.