Where to Get Car Key Cut
Professional car key cutting services guarantee a smooth start and can help prevent any potential issues. They employ advanced equipment that guarantee accuracy, and they provide warranties on their services.
Most modern cars require a special transponder chip inside the key fob in order to function effectively. These are sophisticated electronic devices that can only by programmed by a dealership or a locksmith.
Dealerships
Your first thought may be to visit your auto dealer if you lose the key or your fob breaks. In the end, the dealership is the official dealer for your vehicle, so they will be able offer you an alternative key. However, you may be surprised to find out the cost of their services could be. There are plenty of other options that can help you save money on your key replacement.
Car dealerships may provide a wide selection of car keys, but they are more expensive. Additionally, they may not be able make the exact type of key you require. For instance, some modern cars require a special laser cut key that requires special equipment to create, duplicate, and program each one. Most locksmiths do not offer this service and must outsource the process.
An alternative to the dealership is a home improvement store that provides key-making services. Hardware stores typically carry a wide variety of blanks for different kinds of keys for cars, which means they can satisfy most requirements. They are generally less expensive than dealerships.
In addition to offering a wide variety of blank keys for cars, home improvement stores also have the tools and expertise to create replacement keys and key fobs. They can create laser-cut keys, which are much harder to copy than traditional metal keys. They can also help you change the fobs you have, should you require it.
Auto parts stores like Advanced Auto and NAPA make replacement keys. They have the tools to create transponder car keys and key fobs as well regular house keys. You'll need to call ahead if you'd like to have these keys made.
Some big box stores, like Rite Aid, also have key-making services. You can even have a key fob or car key made for less than 15 dollars at the majority of stores! They have a vast selection of blanks and can even cut and program the key for you. This is only possible when the original key is equipped with a microchip and can be programmed to the computer system of the vehicle.
Locksmiths
There's never a good moment to lose your car keys. If you lose your car keys, the best thing to do is contact an emergency locksmith. They can quickly cut and replace your keys. Many locksmiths in the automotive industry offer 24/7 service in order to assist you in times of require it. They can cut any key, which includes transponder keys as well as regular keys. They also handle VAT systems on newer automobiles.
The majority of AutoZone locations are able to change your car key. The procedure is quite simple: A representative selects the right key blank based upon your year, make, and model. A machine then traces the original contours of the current key. This ensures that the replacement key will be perfectly. If your key has an embedded computer chip inside the fob, it will need to be programmed.
Some auto locksmiths are equipped with the technology to reprogram your keys at less than the dealership. They'll also often provide faster turnaround times and are a great option if you're in a hurry. A locksmith from outside may not be able work on the latest cars, for instance the ones that have smart keys.
The average car key costs $10 to cut at Walmart, so it's a more affordable option if you just need an original key duplicated. Be aware that keys made with machines are less likely than hand-crafted keys to last, and they will be damaged over time. If you want your spare keys to last for a long time, it's better to seek out the services of a professional emergency locksmith.
Some modern cars come with a smart key that activates the proximity sensors. These are the most practical and well-liked keys, but they are also the most difficult keys to duplicate if you don't have the original. The majority of locksmiths for cars can duplicate a smart-key however, you must provide proof of ownership, such as a registration or title, or purchase document. You may also have to pay for a tow truck to take your car back to the dealership.
Online Key-by-VIN Suppliers
If you're unable to get to the dealership or locksmith, online key-by-VIN providers offer a simple way to make an extra car key. These businesses make use of the VIN number to create an alternative key that is a factory original. They charge less than a locksmith or dealer, but you will need an automotive technician to pair the key with your car.
The majority of cars manufactured from 1990 and upwards have a special transponder chip in the key that needs to be programmed to the vehicle to function. This is the reason it's essential to use a car key code instead of the VIN when requesting keys from an online key-by-VIN supplier. If you choose to use the VIN, it's likely that the key won't work if the ignition has ever been changed or the door locks have been changed.
It's also important to keep in mind that even though online key-by-VIN providers can cut keys, they cannot give you a key programmed to your car. This task will still require an auto technician, so make sure you add this cost into your budget.
Dealers, locksmiths, and online key-by VIN suppliers are the clear winners in terms of accuracy. They all cut their keys by code, which gives you a genuine OEM-cut key. Big box stores on the other hand, only use an automatic machine to cut their keys. The machine may become less precise over time, resulting in a key that does not work properly.
A key ordered online is more expensive than one obtained from a reputable dealer or locksmith. Most online resellers source their products from overseas and make use of low quality parts and construction methods. You won't get any support or warranty if the key fails.
It is essential to have an inventory of transponders, blank keys and remotes for each type of vehicle you manage. To save yourself time and money, you can utilize OEM manufacturer websites to look up car key codes by VIN or model or make.
Big Box Stores
In the age of online shopping, you may believe that there is no reason to leave the safety of your home. However, not all shopping experiences are the same. Certain things, such as getting your car key cut are much better done in person than via the mouse. There are many big box stores that are equipped and know how to copy your key correctly. Although these stores might not be as good as a locksmith or a web-based key-by-VIN supplier, they do offer the benefit of being affordable and convenient.
One of the most common places to have your key cut is an auto parts store. This is a simple and quick process if you have a standard, un-chipped key. The stores have key cutting machines that can replicate the contours of your existing key in just a few minutes.
Ace Hardware is a popular chain store. These chains also have key cutting machines, and they are able to copy all kinds of keys. If you own modern keys that are part of a key fob, or is equipped with a chip, these stores will not be able to assist you.
A few of the more specialist hardware stores, like Menards in the Midwest and Home Depot nationwide, have the capability of doing key copies that are chip-related. However, you should call ahead to the store closest to you and ask whether they can make this kind of key before you go to the store.
If you have a high-security key, you'll want to visit your nearest AutoZone location. These stores have the knowledge, technology, and tools to duplicate high-security keys such as those that are incorporated into key fobs. A staff member will choose the appropriate key blank for the year, make and model of your vehicle, and then use a key-cutting machine to duplicate the original contours. This process will take a few more minutes than a standard key but it will give you peace of mind that your keys are secure should it be lost or stolen.