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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is much more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys. It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times. Transponder Keys Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer onboard examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number. The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of “hot wiring” and other methods of theft of cars. Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it. Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars as well. Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in 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 confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value. GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. g28carkeys.co.uk attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 begins to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is introduced. As time passes the wires can start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin. You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key. This is a great way to test out a new key and see whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start the car. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer. Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter. To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology. Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning. The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent 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 in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership. Traditional Keys The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank. Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different options to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features. Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance. If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors. You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't start.