Car Key Cutting Explained<br /><br />Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.<br /><br />It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.<br /><br />Transponder Keys<br /><br />Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.<br /><br />The microchip in your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.<br /><br />Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto 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 assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required to use the device.<br /><br />Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.<br /><br />The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another 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 to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.<br /><br />VATS Keys<br /><br />Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.<br /><br />GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to 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 vehicle theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.<br /><br />After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.<br /><br /><br /><br />The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.<br /><br />This method is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.<br /><br />Smart Key Fobs for Keys<br /><br />Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They can also be used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.<br /><br />In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like 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 />To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.<br /><br />Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.<br /><br />The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.<br /><br />Traditional Keys<br /><br />Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.<br /><br />There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.<br /><br />Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your car.<br /><br />If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. <a href="https://adler-schmitt.thoughtlanes.net/why-adding-a-cutting-car-key-to-your-life-can-make-all-the-the-difference">look at this now</a> is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.<br /><br />You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.<br /><br />