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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys. It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. key cut place near me 'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times. Transponder Keys Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car examines the serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number. The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This will stop “hot wiring” or other methods to steal cars. Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to use the device. You can also get 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 locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models. Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a 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 designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value. GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can begin 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 problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key. This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer. Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter. One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or use an 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 make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology. Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning. The decision of whether to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would buy from a dealership. Traditional Keys The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank. There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind. Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a certain distance of your car. If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors. Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.