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Car Key Cutting Explained Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and the longevity of keys. It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut. Transponder Keys If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it. The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This prevents “hot wiring” or other methods of stealing cars. Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it. You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too. The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths. VATS Keys Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value. GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes. Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start. The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key. This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work 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 will not work in your car. Smart Key Fobs for Keys Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer. In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter. To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology. Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services. For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. get car key cut offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership. Traditional Keys The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut 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 by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank. Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut There are many options to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind. Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the distance of your car. If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors. Another alternative is to have your standard 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 a popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't start.