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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys. It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number. The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop “hot wiring” or other methods of stealing cars. Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required for the device to function. There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in many affordable models of automobiles as well. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. key cut service are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value. GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and 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 resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes. Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is introduced. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car. you can check here is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own 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 made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key. This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle. Smart Key Fobs Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer. In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. key cutting services have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter. One method of protecting a smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you use it from the case. Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning. For the majority of 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 event you should have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership. Traditional Keys The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created. Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind. Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific range of your car. If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk. Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to secure their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.