Where to Get Car Key Cut
A professional car key cutting service ensures an easy start and avoids any potential problems. They employ advanced equipment that guarantee precision and offer warranties on their services.
For modern vehicles, a transponder chip is required in the key fob. These are highly sophisticated electronic devices that can only be programmed by a dealership or an automotive locksmith.
Dealerships
If you lose your car key or the key fob is damaged your first thought could be to go to your local dealer. In the end, the dealership is the official dealer for your car and will be able offer you a replacement key. However, you could be surprised to find out how costly their services can be. There are other ways to save money on key replacements.
Car dealerships can offer a variety of keys for cars, but they are more expensive. They may also not be able to make your particular type of key. For instance, certain newer cars require a special laser cut key that requires specialized equipment to create duplicates, program, and create each one. This is a service that most locksmiths don't offer and have to outsource.
Home improvement stores that provide key-making services are an excellent alternative to dealerships. Hardware stores typically have an array of blanks to make different types of keys for cars, so they can meet the majority of needs. These stores are usually cheaper than dealerships.
In addition to offering a wide range of car key blanks, home improvement stores also have tools and expertise to create replacement keys and key fobs. They can create laser-cut keys that are harder to duplicate than traditional metal keys. They can also reprogram your fobs if needed.
Auto parts stores like Advanced Auto and NAPA make replacement keys. They have the equipment to make standard house keys, transponder keys, and key fobs. You'll need to call ahead if you want these keys made.
Some big-box stores, such as Rite Aid, offer key-making services. You can also get an auto key made for less than $15 in most stores! These stores offer a wide variety of blanks available and can even cut and program the key for you. But, this is only possible if your original key has a chip inside it that is programmed using the car's system.
Locksmiths
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. If you lose your car keys the best thing you can do is call an emergency locksmith. They will quickly cut and replace your keys. In a lot of areas automotive locksmiths provide 24/7 assistance to help out when you're in a crisis. They can cut any type of key, from standard to transponder, and they can also handle VAT systems for newer cars.
The majority of AutoZone stores can replace your car keys. The procedure is fairly straightforward: an associate chooses the right key blank according to your year, make, and model and then uses a machine to trace the original contours of your current key. This ensures that the replacement key will be perfectly. If your key is equipped with an embedded computer chip inside the fob it will need to be programmed.
Certain auto locksmiths can reprogram your keys at less cost than a dealership. They can also offer an expedited turnaround time, which is great when you're in need of assistance in a hurry. However, an outside locksmith may not be able to work on the most advanced cars, such as the ones that have smart keys.
The average car key is $10 to cut at Walmart and is therefore more affordable when you need just a traditional key duplicated. Remember that keys made by machines are less likely than hand-made keys to last and weather over time. It is best to employ an emergency locksmith if you want to ensure that your spare keys last for an extended period of time.
Certain cars today have an electronic key that activates the proximity sensors in the car. They're the most popular and practical keys, however they are also the most difficult to replace when you don't have an original. The majority of locksmiths for cars can duplicate a smart-key however, you must provide evidence of ownership, such as a registration or title or purchase documentation. You may also have to pay for the tow truck to bring your car back to the dealership.
Online Key-by-VIN Suppliers
If you're unable to get to the dealership or a locksmith, online key-by VIN suppliers provide a quick and easy way to create an extra car key. They create a replacement car key that is a factory original using the VIN number. These companies charge less than a locksmith or dealer however you'll need an automotive technician in order to pair the key.
Most cars built from 1990 onwards have a transponder chip that must be programmed into the vehicle for it to work. This is why it's important to use a car key code instead of the VIN when requesting the key from an online key-by-VIN supplier. If you use the VIN to purchase keys, it's likely that the key will not work if the ignition or door locks have been changed.
Be aware that even though online key-by VIN suppliers can cut keys, they aren't able to deliver a programed key for your car. You will still need an auto technician for this task, so make sure to include this additional cost into your overall budget when deciding on this option.
The clear winners in terms of accuracy are locksmiths, dealers, and online key-by-VIN suppliers. All of them cut keys using codes, resulting in an authentic OEM key. Big box stores on the other hand utilize an automated machine to cut their keys. The machine may become less precise over time and could result in a key that does not perform as it should.
A key bought online is more expensive than those purchased from a reliable locksmith or dealer. The majority of online resellers come from outside the country and employ low quality parts and construction methods. You won't get any support or warranty in the event that the key breaks.
A supply of remotes, keys, and transponders available for each model of car you service is a must. You can save time and money by utilizing the OEM websites of the manufacturers to find keys for cars that are based on VIN or model and make.
Big Box Stores
In this day and age of online shopping, you might think that there is no reason to leave the safety of your home. However it is true that not all shopping experiences are created equally. Some, like having your car key cut, are much better done in person rather than using on a mouse. There are many big box stores that have the tools and know how to get your key copied correctly. Although these stores might not be as good as a locksmith or an online key-by-VIN supplier, they do offer the benefit of being affordable and convenient.
An auto parts store is the most common location to have your key cut. This is a straightforward and quick procedure if have a standard, un-chipped key. These stores have key cutting machines which can replicate 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 the majority of keys. However, if you have an older key that is part of a key fob, or has a chip in it the chain won't be able to help.
A few of the more specialized hardware stores such as Menards in the Midwest and Home Depot nationwide, have the capability to do key copies that are chip-related. However, you should talk ahead to your local store and see whether they can make this type of key before you head over.
car keys cut and programmed should visit the nearest AutoZone if you have keys that are high-security. They have the experience, technology, and tools to duplicate high-security keys including keys that are integrated into key fobs. An associate will pick the proper key blank for your year, model and model, and then use the key cutting machine to duplicate the original shape of your current key. This process will take longer than a standard one, but will give you peace of mind that your keys are safe in the event that it is lost or stolen.