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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys. It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number. The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops “hot wiring” or other methods of stealing cars. Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to operate the device. You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance. GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If it 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 does not make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes. After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin. The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. content 'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key. This is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle. Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer. Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to. To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need 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 cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning. For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank. There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ 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 come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle. If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your locks, trunk, and doors. You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.