Where to Get Car Key Cut
A professional service for cutting car keys ensures a smooth start and prevents potential issues. They employ advanced equipment that guarantee precision and offer warranties on their services.
For the majority of modern cars, a transponder chip is required on the key fob. These are highly sophisticated pieces of electronic equipment that can only be programmed by a dealer or an automotive locksmith.
Dealerships
If you lose your car key or the fob for your key breaks, your first thought might be to visit your local dealer. The dealership is the official dealer for your vehicle, therefore they should have the ability to give you an extra key. However, you might be surprised by how costly their services can be. There are plenty of other options to save you money on your key replacement.
Car dealerships may offer a variety of car keys, but they will charge you more. They might not be able to make your specific type of key. Certain newer vehicles require a laser-cut key that requires specialized equipment to duplicate programs, cut, and create. The majority of locksmiths do not provide this service and have to outsource it.
An alternative to the dealership is a home improvement store that provides key-making services. Most hardware stores have a large variety of blanks for various types of car keys, which means they are able to meet the majority of needs. These stores are usually cheaper than dealerships.
In addition to offering a broad range of car key blanks, home improvement stores also have the tools and experience to make replacement keys and key fobs. They can create laser-cut keys that are more difficult to duplicate than traditional metal keys. They can also help change the fobs you have, if necessary.
Auto parts stores such as Advanced Auto and NAPA make replacement keys. They have the necessary equipment to make standard house keys, transponder keys and key fobs. You'll need to contact them ahead if you want keys made.
Some big-box stores, such as Rite Aid, offer key-making services. In fact, you can get keys for your car or a key fob for less than $15 at many locations! They have a vast selection of blanks and can even cut and program the key for you. This is only possible in the event that the original key has an embedded microchip that can be programmed into the vehicle's computer system.
Locksmiths
It's not a good idea to lose your car key. However, if you have to need a locksmith in an emergency, an emergency locksmith is the best option to have your keys replaced and cut as fast as you can. In many places, automotive locksmiths offer 24/7 assistance to help out when you're in a bind. They can cut any type of key, including transponder keys as well as regular keys. They also manage VAT systems on newer vehicles.
Most AutoZone stores can replace your car keys. The process is relatively easy: an associate picks the appropriate 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 your new key will fit perfectly. If your key is equipped with an embedded chip inside the fob, it is likely that it will need to be programmed with the vehicle's computer.
Some auto locksmiths are equipped with the ability to reprogram your keys at a much lower cost than a dealership. They also provide an expedited turnaround time which is a great option for those in a hurry. A locksmith from outside may not be able to work on the latest vehicles, such as the ones that have smart keys.
Walmart charges $10 on average to cut a car keys. This is a less expensive alternative if you require a duplicate key. It's important to keep in mind that keys made with machines are less likely to last long and will become weathered as time passes. It's best to hire an emergency locksmith to make sure your spare keys last a long time.
Certain modern cars have a smart key which activates the proximity sensors. These are the most practical and popular keys, but they are also the most difficult keys to duplicate if you don't have the original. The majority of locksmiths in the automotive industry will duplicate a smart-key, however, you must provide evidence of ownership, like a registration or title or purchase documentation. You may also be required to pay for a tow truck to transport your car back to the dealership.
Online Key-by-VIN Suppliers
Online key-by VIN suppliers are a great alternative to go to a dealership or locksmith. They create an alternative car key that is a factory original using the VIN number. They charge less than a dealer or locksmith but you'll require an automotive technician connect the key to your car.
The majority of cars manufactured after 1990 come with a transponder chip that must be programmed into the vehicle for it to function. It is important to use the car key code, not the VIN when ordering keys online through a key-by-VIN service. If you are using the VIN to purchase the key, it's likely that your key won't work in the event that the door lock or ignition have ever been changed.
Be aware that although key-by-VIN online providers can cut keys, they are not able to send you a programmed key for your car. This task will still require an auto technician, so ensure you factor this cost into your budget.
Dealers, locksmiths, and online key-by VIN suppliers are the most reliable in terms of accuracy. They all cut their keys with code, which gives you a genuine OEM-cut key. Big box stores however utilize an automated machine to cut their keys. This machine can become less precise over time and could result in a key which doesn't work properly.
A key purchased online is more expensive than a key purchased from a reliable locksmith or dealer. Online resellers tend to employ low-cost parts and construction methods and are usually purchased from foreign sources. You won't get any support or warranty if the key is damaged.
A supply of keys, remotes and transponders in stock for every car model you service is a must. You can save time and money by using the OEM websites of manufacturers to locate keys for cars that are based on VIN or make/model.
Big Box Stores
Online shopping is so convenient that you might not need to leave your home. However it is true that not all shopping experiences are made to be the same. Some things, like cutting keys for your car, are best done in person, rather than using with a mouse. There are a lot of big box stores that are equipped and know how to get your key copied properly. While these stores may not be as reliable as a locksmith or a web-based key-by-VIN supplier, they do offer the benefit of being affordable and convenient.
A car parts store is the most popular location to get your key cut. If you have a standard key that does not include chips it's a quick and simple process. The majority of these stores have key cutting machines that can copy the contours of your existing key in a matter of minutes.
Another option is to go to an upscale chain store for hardware such as Ace Hardware. These chains also have key cutting machines and they can duplicate all types of keys. However, if you own modern keys that are part of a key fob or has a chip in it, these stores will not be able to assist.
locksmith key cutting of the more specialized hardware stores like Menards in the Midwest and Home Depot nationwide, have the capability to do key copies that are chip-related. However, you should call ahead to your local store to see whether they can create this kind of key before you visit.
Visit the nearest AutoZone when you have a key with high security. These stores have the tools, knowledge and technology to duplicate most types of high-security keys, including those that are integrated into the key fob. A staff member will select the proper key blank for your year, make and model, and then use a key cutting machine to copy the contours of the current key. This process can take longer than a standard one, but will ensure that your key is secure in the event that it is stolen or lost.