Car Key Cutting

Have you lost or broken one of your car keys?

We’ve just installed the very latest, specialist car key cutting and cloning machines at our HQ in Chipping Campden.

We can replace most car keys, including mechanically cut transponder keys and the very latest Smart Keys used by Mercedes Benz, BMW, Mini and Jaguar Land Rover.

Our replacement car keys are exactly the same quality as you’ll get from your main dealer – at a fraction of the price.

We also offer a one-hour turnaround on most car key cutting jobs.

All you need to do is:

• Give us a call on 01386 840297
• Arrange an appointment
• Drive over in your car.

Please remember to bring ALL the keys you hold for the vehicle to ensure you’ll get the fastest possible turnaround.

Here are the types of keys we can replace for you and a bit about how they work.

Mechanically cut car keys are still in use today, usually on older car models. This method involves a locksmith using a machine to cut grooves into one side of the key.

Laser cut car keys, also known as ‘sidewinder’ or ‘internal cut’, are produced by a high-tech laser cutting machine and therefore tend to be more intricate with fewer carved-out grooves.

Are a more modern type of car key and have been in use since 1995. Likely a mechanically or laser cut key they simply offer an extra layer of security.

Each key contains a unique transponder chip that sends out a fixed code to the car’s onboard computer.

If the code doesn’t match the one pre-programmed in the immobiliser then the car doors won’t open and the car will not start.

Other, more advanced types of transponder car keys have non-fixed or rolling codes meaning that a new code is generated each time it is used.

Remote control, or keyless entry, are the most commonly used car keys today.

Powered by a small rechargeable battery, they use a radio transmitter or infrared signal to send a coded message to the receiver on a car.

They can disarm alarms and lock and unlock car doors.

A popular type of remote control key is the ‘switchblade’ key which is really a hybrid key that uses remote control to unlock the car and pops out a mechanical key to start the engine at the push of a button.

Smart Keys allow you to unlock doors, disarm alarms and start the vehicle at the push of a button from outside the vehicle.

Most have proximity activation in that the chip inside them will be recognised by the vehicle as the key holder approaches and doors will automatically unlock.

Find out more information about our car key services: