Where to Get Car Key Cut
A professional service for cutting car keys ensures the smoothest start and helps avoid any potential problems. They employ advanced equipment to ensure precision and provide warranties on their services.
For the majority of modern cars the transponder chip is required in the key fob. These are highly sophisticated pieces of electronic equipment that cannot be programmed except by a dealer or an automotive locksmith.
Dealerships
If you lose your car keys or the fob for your key breaks your first thought could be to visit your local dealer. The dealer is the official dealer for your vehicle, therefore they should be able to give you an extra key. However, you may be surprised by the cost of their services could be. Luckily, there are many other options to help you save money on the replacement of your key.
Although car dealerships have a variety of keys for cars and key fobs, they typically charge more than other retailers. Plus, they may not be able to create the exact type of key you require. Certain cars of recent years require a laser-cut key, which requires special equipment to duplicate programming, create, and duplicate. Most locksmiths do not offer this service and must outsource it to a third party.
Home improvement stores that offer key-making services are a better alternative than dealerships. Most hardware stores have an array of blanks for different kinds of car keys, which means they are able to meet the majority of needs. These stores are usually cheaper than dealerships.
In our homepage to offering a wide variety of car key blanks home improvement stores also have the tools and expertise to create replacement keys and key fobs. They can create laser-cut keys that are more difficult to duplicate than traditional metal keys. They can also reprogram your fobs when needed.
Auto parts stores like Advanced Auto and NAPA make replacement keys. They have the equipment to create standard house keys, transponder keys, and key fobs. However, not all locations can make these keys, so it is best to call ahead before visiting a particular location.
Some big box stores, like Rite Aid, also have key-making services. In fact, you can get keys for your car or a key fob for less than $15 in most locations! They have a vast range of blanks and even cut and program the key for you. However, this is only possible if your original key has a chip within it that is programmed using the car's system.
Locksmiths
There's never a good moment to lose your car keys. If you lose your car keys the best thing to do is call an emergency locksmith. They can quickly cut and replace your keys. In many areas automotive locksmiths are available 24/7 service to help you out when you're in a bind. They can cut any type of key, including transponder keys as well as standard keys. They also handle VAT systems on modern cars.
The majority of AutoZone stores will replace your car keys. The process is straightforward: A staff member chooses the appropriate key blank based upon the year, make and model. A machine then trace the original contours on your current key. This ensures that the replacement key will be perfectly. If your key has an embedded computer chip, the fob it will need to be programmed.
Certain auto locksmiths can reprogram your keys at less than a dealership. They also usually provide faster turnaround times, making them a great option for those in a rush. However, an outside locksmith may not be able to deal with the most modern vehicles, like ones with smart keys.
The average car key is $10 to cut at Walmart and is therefore a more affordable option for those who just need a traditional key duplicated. Be aware that keys made by machines are less likely than hand-made keys to last, and they will get older. It is recommended to hire an emergency locksmith if you want to make sure your spare keys last a long time.
Certain cars today have a smart key that activates the car's proximity sensors. These are the most practical and sought-after keys, however they are they are also the most difficult to duplicate if you don't have the original. Locksmiths in the automotive industry can duplicate a smart key, but you'll need to bring evidence of ownership, such as the registration, title, or purchase documents. You may also have to pay for a tow truck to transport your vehicle back to the dealership.
Online Key-by-VIN Suppliers
If you are unable to reach the dealership or locksmith, online key-by-VIN providers offer a simple way to make a spare car key. These businesses utilize the VIN number to create keys that are an original factory key. They charge less than a dealer or locksmith but you'll require an automotive technician pair the key with your car.
The majority of cars manufactured from 1990 and on come with a transponder chip within the key that needs to be programmed to the vehicle to function. This is why it's important to use a car's key code instead of the VIN when requesting keys from an online supplier of key-by-VIN. If you are using the VIN to request keys, it's likely that your key will not function if the door locks or ignition were ever changed.
It's also important to keep in mind that, even though online key-by-VIN providers can cut keys, they can't send you a key that's programmed to your vehicle. You will still need an auto technician to accomplish this task, so make sure to factor this additional cost into your overall budget when deciding on this option.
Dealers, locksmiths and online key-by-VIN providers are the most reliable in terms of accuracy. They all cut their keys using codes, which results in a genuine OEM key. However the big box stores cut their keys using an automated machine that could be less precise over time and may result in a key that does not perform as expected.
A key ordered online is more expensive than one obtained from a reputable dealer or locksmith. Online resellers typically employ low-cost parts and techniques for construction and are usually purchased from foreign sources. Additionally, you won't get any kind of warranty or support if something happens to the key.
It is essential to have a supply on hand of transponders, keys, blank keys and remotes for each type of vehicle you work with. To save time and money, make use of OEM manufacturers' websites to search for car key codes by VIN or make/model.
Big Box Stores
Online shopping is so convenient, you might not want to leave your home. Not all shopping experiences are identical. Some, like getting your car key cut, are much better done in person rather than using on a mouse. There are a lot of big box stores that have the tools and know how to copy your key correctly. They might not be up to the standard of a locksmith, or a key-by-VIN provider but they are convenient and affordable.
A car parts store is the most frequent place to have your key cut. If you have a standard key that does not have chip, this is a quick and easy process. These stores usually have key cutting machines that can duplicate the contours of your current key in just a few minutes.
Ace Hardware is a popular chain store. These chains have key cutting machines and can copy all kinds of keys. They are unable to assist you when your key is part of a fob or has chip.
A few of the more specialized hardware stores, like Menards in the Midwest and Home Depot nationwide, have the capability of doing chip-related key copies. But, you must call ahead to your local store and see whether they can make this type of key before you go to the store.
If you own a security key, you'll need to visit your nearest AutoZone location. These stores have the knowledge, technology, and tools to duplicate high-security keys including those that are incorporated into key fobs. A representative will select the correct key blank for the year, make and model of your vehicle. They will then use a key-cutting machine to duplicate your original contours. This process will take a few more minutes than a standard one, but it will give you assurance that your keys are secure should it be lost or stolen.