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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys. It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times. Transponder Keys Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number. The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop “hot wiring” or other methods of stealing cars. Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential for it to function. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models. Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths. Keys to VATS Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance. GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent 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 however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes. After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time the key is introduced. As time passes the wires can start to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car. 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 the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key. This is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. 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 not work in your vehicle. Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. 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 theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed at the dealer. Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to. One method of protecting a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology. Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning. For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most 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 one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created. There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind. locksmith key cutting of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the distance of your car. If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk. 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 early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.