Car Key Cutting Explained<br /><br />Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.<br /><br />It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.<br /><br />Transponder Keys<br /><br />If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.<br /><br /><br /><br />The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.<br /><br />Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection 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 required to use it.<br /><br />Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is 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 high-end vehicles but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.<br /><br />Another kind of car key that's difficult 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 with one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle 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 some locksmiths.<br /><br />VATS Keys<br /><br />Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system 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 that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.<br /><br />GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.<br /><br />After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.<br /><br />You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.<br /><br />This is also a great way to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.<br /><br />Smart Key Fobs for Keys<br /><br />Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start a car. They are also a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. <a href="https://pediascape.science/wiki/The_Advanced_Guide_To_Car_Key_Cutting_And_Programming">car key cutting near me</a> can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.<br /><br />In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high price for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.<br /><br />One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob each time you need to take it out of the protective case.<br /><br />Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.<br /><br />For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.<br /><br />Traditional Keys<br /><br />The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a 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 have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.<br /><br />There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.<br /><br />Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within a specific distance.<br /><br />If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.<br /><br />Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to secure their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't start.<br /><br />