What's Holding Back The Get Car Key Cut Industry?
Where to Get Car Key Cut
A professional service for cutting car keys ensures an easy start and avoids any potential problems. They use advanced machines that ensure precision and offer warranties on their services.
Most modern automobiles require a transponder chip in their key fobs to function correctly. These are highly sophisticated electronic devices that need to by programmed by a dealer or auto locksmith.
Dealerships
If you lose your car key or the key fob is damaged, your first thought might be to visit your auto dealer. After all, the dealership is the official dealer for your car and will be able provide you with the replacement key. However, you could be shocked to learn how expensive their services can be. Luckily, there are many other options that can save you money on your key replacement.
Car dealerships can provide a wide selection of keys for cars, but they charge higher prices. Plus, they may not be able to make the exact type of key you require. Certain newer vehicles require laser-cut keys, which requires special equipment to duplicate programs, cut, and create. This is a service that most locksmiths don't offer and therefore must outsource.
Home improvement stores that offer key-making services are a good alternative than dealerships. Most hardware stores have many blanks for various types of car keys, which means they usually can meet most needs. Moreover, these stores typically offer lower prices than dealerships.
Home improvement stores have a variety of blank car keys, but they also have the knowledge and tools to make keys and replacement fobs for keys. They can also make laser-cut metal 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 tools to create transponder car keys and key fobs as well standard house keys. You'll need to contact them ahead if you want these keys made.
Some big-box stores, such as Rite Aid, offer key-making services. You can even have keys for your car or a key fob key made for less than 15 dollars in most stores! They have a vast variety of blanks available and can even cut and program the key for you. This is only possible if the original key has an embedded microchip that can be programmed into the car's computer system.
Locksmiths
There's never a great time to lose your car keys. However, if you have to require an emergency locksmith, they're the best option to have your keys cut and replaced as fast as you can. In a lot of areas automotive locksmiths are available 24/7 service to help you out when you're in a pinch. They can cut any kind of key, from standard to transponder, and they can also manage VAT systems for modern cars.
Most AutoZone stores can repair or replace your car keys. The procedure is quite straightforward: A staff member chooses the appropriate key blank based upon your year, make and model. A machine then trace the original contours on your current key. This ensures that the replacement key fits perfectly. If your key has an embedded computer chip inside the fob it will need to be programmed.
Some auto locksmiths have the technology to reprogram your key at less than the dealership. They can also offer faster turnaround times which is a great option when you're in need of assistance in a hurry. However, a locksmith outside may not be able to deal with the most modern vehicles, like ones with smart keys.
The average car key costs $10 to cut at Walmart, so it's an affordable alternative if you just need an old-fashioned key duplicated. It's important to keep in mind, though, that keys made using machines are less likely to last long and will become weathered as time passes. It's best to hire an emergency locksmith if you want to make sure your spare keys will last for a long time.
Some modern cars have a smart key that triggers the proximity sensors of the car. These are the most sought-after and convenient keys, but 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, but you'll need to bring proof of ownership such as the registration or title or purchase paperwork. You may also be required to pay for a tow truck to transport your vehicle back to the dealership.
Online Key-by-VIN Suppliers
Online key-by VIN suppliers are a great alternative for those who are unable to get to a dealership or locksmith. They create keys for replacement that is a factory original with the VIN number. They charge less than a locksmith or dealer however, you'll require an automotive technician to connect the key to your car.
Most cars made after 1990 have a transponder chip that must be programmed into the vehicle in order for it to work. It is essential to use the car's key code rather than the VIN when ordering a key online through a key-by-VIN service. If you opt to use the VIN, it's likely that the key won't work if your ignition has ever been changed or the door locks have been changed.
Be aware that although key-by-VIN providers online can cut keys, they are not able to deliver a programed key for your vehicle. You will still need an auto technician to complete this task, so make sure to factor this additional cost into your overall budget when you choose this option.
Dealers, locksmiths, and online key-by-VIN suppliers are the clear winners in terms of precision. All of them cut keys using codes, resulting in a genuine OEM key. Big box stores however, only use an automatic machine to cut their keys. The machine may become less precise over time, resulting in a key that doesn't perform as it should.
Finding a key with a VIN from a reputable dealer or locksmith will also be much cheaper than ordering one from a website. Most online resellers are sourced from overseas and use low quality parts and construction methods. Additionally, you won't receive any kind of warranty or support if something happens to the key.
It is essential to have an inventory of transponders, keys, blank keys and remotes for each model of vehicle you service. To save yourself time and money, you can use the manufacturers' OEM websites to search for car key codes by VIN or make/model.
Big Box Stores
In the age of online shopping, you may think that there is no reason to leave the security of your home. However, not all shopping experiences are identical. Some things, like cutting your car keys are better done in person instead of clicking the mouse. There are many big box stores that have the tools and know how to copy your key correctly. These stores may not be up to the standard of a locksmith or key-by-VIN provider but they are affordable and convenient.
One of the most popular places to get your key cut is an auto parts store. If you have a standard key that does not have chip, this is a quick and simple procedure. The stores have key cutting machines that can copy the contours from your existing key in just a few minutes.
Ace Hardware is a popular chain store. These chains also have key cutting machines and they can duplicate all kinds of keys. These stores cannot help you in the event that your key is part of a fob, or has chip.
Certain of the more specialist stores, such as Menards in the Midwest and Home Depot across the country are able to make duplicates of keys that have chips. However, cutting car keys near me should talk ahead to the store closest to you and ask whether they can make this type of key for you prior to you go to the store.
You should visit the nearest AutoZone in the event that you own a key with high security. These stores have the knowledge of technology, tools, and equipment to duplicate high-security keys, including keys that are integrated into key fobs. A representative will select the correct key blank for the year, make and model of your vehicle and then use a key-cutting device to duplicate the original contours. This process will take longer than a standard key, but will ensure that your key will be safe in the event it is lost or stolen.