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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys. It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles 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 turn the key. The computer onboard is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. key cutting open now stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number. The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of stealing cars. Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than 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 equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars as well. Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle 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 transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance. GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes. Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin. The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key. This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer. Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends a lot of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter. One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case. Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services. For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd spend at a dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit 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 the traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created. Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut There are many options to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind. Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific range of your car. If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors. Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.