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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys. It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut. Transponder Keys If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number. The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops “hot wiring” or other methods to steal cars. Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models. 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 stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths. VATS Keys Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to. GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes. Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin. You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key. This is a great way to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car. Smart Key Fobs Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the car. They often have 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 lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed at the dealer. In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually 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. To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology. Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning. For read what he said who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would spend at a dealership. Traditional Keys The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank. There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features. Some of these advanced features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance. If had me going choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk. You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.