How Cut Car Key Became The Hottest Trend In 2023 Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required for the device to function.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor 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 expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If it matches 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 secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most 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 noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need 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 cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, 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 avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.

There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific distance of your car.


If getting car key cut opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced 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 choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.