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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and the longevity 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 vehicle you'll need a new key cut . Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number. The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of taking cars. Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which 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 having 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 high-end cars, but it is now available in a variety of affordable cars as well. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance. GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes. Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is placed. As time passes, the wires may start to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car. You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key. This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS number 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. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by a dealer. In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, 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 an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter. One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology. Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning. For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose it. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created. Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features. Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within a specific distance. If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk. Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to safeguard their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't start.