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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 procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys. It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard checks the serial number digitally of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it. The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This will stop “hot wiring” or other methods to steal cars. Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers 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 help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. key cutting services near me that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific 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 in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes. After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each when the key is placed. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start. You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key. This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot or summon it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer. In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby. One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed 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 want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology. Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services. For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. cheapest key cutting near me of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank. Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind. Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle. If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many 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. You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.