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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys. It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. To ensure that key cut place near me can always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it. The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This prevents “hot wiring” or other methods of stealing cars. Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to use the device. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance. GM employed 15 different resistances for the 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 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes. Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires could start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start. You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key. This is a great method to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer. Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that is often time in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter. One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to store it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the protective case. Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services. The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank. You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind. Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the range of your car. If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with a standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors. Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.