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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys. It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times. Transponder Keys If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number. The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of theft of cars. Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to. GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes. After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time a key is introduced. As time passes the wires can start to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car. local key cutting can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting 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 determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start the car. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer. In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to. One method of protecting a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology. Fortunately, some of the 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 the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services. The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, assuming you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created. Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys There are many options to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features. Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain distance of your car. If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk. Another alternative is to get your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.