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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys. It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it. The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This prevents “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 keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle 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 a few locksmiths. Keys to VATS Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry 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 was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the 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 begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes. After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is placed. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires break then the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car. You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. cutting key '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 visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key. This is also a good way to test a new key to determine if it will work 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 simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking space, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer. In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near. One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology. Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning. For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your 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 cut your keys there are a variety of alternatives to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind. Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within certain distance. If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk. Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for people who want to enhance the security of their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.