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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys. It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times. Transponder Keys If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number. The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This prevents “hot wiring” or other methods to steal cars. Locksmiths who offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to use the device. You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths. VATS Keys Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance. GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to 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 starts to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes. Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time the key is introduced. Over time, the wires may start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start. The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. mobile key cutting near me can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key. This is a great way to test a new key and see whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle. Smart Key Fobs Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by a dealer. In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter. To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology. auto key cutting machine of the newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning. The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership. Traditional Keys The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created. Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many options to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features. Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance. If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks and doors. You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.