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Car Key Cutting Explained Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys. It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times. Transponder Keys Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it. The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of theft of cars. Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a huge selection of keys, and can help you find the best one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars as well. Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. 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 stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance. GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes. After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car. The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key. This is a great way to test a brand new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car. Smart Key Fobs Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. local key cutting 's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer. In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near. One method of protecting the 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 remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology. Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning. For the majority of drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. Always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership. Traditional Keys The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank. Depending on how long has passed since the last time you had your keys cut There are many options to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features. Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder 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 car and make it work only when it's within the range of your car. If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors. Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.