10 Places Where You Can Find Cut Car Key Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a vast selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than 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 high-end cars, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.

Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. key cut places near me are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car could begin 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 could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.


Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain range of your car.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors.

Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to protect their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.