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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys. It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times. Transponder Keys Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it. The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of taking cars. Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. 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 car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it. There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models. 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 key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to. GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If key car cutting matches 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 doesn't make a car theft proof however it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes. Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost 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. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key. This is a great way to test a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle. Smart Key Fobs Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start a car. They can also be an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer. In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are usually paired 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 safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology. Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning. The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would pay at the dealership. Traditional Keys The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created. There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys made with security features in mind. Some of these modern features that come with modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within the range of your car. If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk. You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to protect their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If key cut service aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.