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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys. It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it. The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of taking cars. auto key cutting that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device. You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than 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 equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more common 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 have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in 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 ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value. GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes. Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time a key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start. 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 placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key. This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are unaware of. car key cutting and programming can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd 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 a dealer. In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near. One method of protecting a smart key fob 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 use it undermines the convenience of the technology. Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning. For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. 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 a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership. Traditional Keys The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key 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 key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank. Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind. Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance. If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors. Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.