Car Key Cutting Explained<br /><br />Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. <a href="https://bek-sargent.federatedjournals.com/the-most-hilarious-complaints-weve-heard-about-car-key-cutting-manchester">replacement car key cutting</a> is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.<br /><br />It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.<br /><br />Transponder Keys<br /><br />If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.<br /><br />The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.<br /><br />Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.<br /><br />You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.<br /><br />The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.<br /><br />VATS Keys<br /><br />Before transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.<br /><br />GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be sent 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 does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.<br /><br />After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.<br /><br /><br /><br />The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.<br /><br />This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition 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 vehicle.<br /><br />Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys<br /><br />Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.<br /><br />In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends much of its time in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.<br /><br />To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.<br /><br />Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.<br /><br />For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.<br /><br />Traditional Keys<br /><br />Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.<br /><br />There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.<br /><br />Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like 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, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the range of your car.<br /><br />If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.<br /><br />Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.<br /><br />