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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys. It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut. Transponder Keys If your car was manufactured in the last 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 in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car is able to verify the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it. The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This stops “hot wiring” or other methods to steal cars. Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work. There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's 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 buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths. VATS Keys Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance. automotive key cutting employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches 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 doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes. After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every when the key is placed. As time passes the wires can start to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car. You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key. This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car. Smart Key Fobs Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. They are also a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer. In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby. car key cutting and programming to protect the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology. Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning. The decision to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership. Traditional Keys Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created. You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced. Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific range of your car. If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk. Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique 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 typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.