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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys. It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times. Transponder Keys If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it. The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of taking cars. Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work. There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having 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 high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance. GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the 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 will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes. After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may 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 may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car. You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key. This method can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Just 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 vehicle. cost to get a key cut for Keys Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer. Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter. To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology. Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning. For the majority of drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership. Traditional Keys The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created. Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many options to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced. Some of these advanced features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific range of your car. If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk. You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.