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Originally Posted On: A Quick Guide on How to Get a Car Key Replacement – (dclocallocksmith.com)

 

We’ve all been there at least once. You’ve checked every pocket on your outfit. You’ve looked through your car windows, turned over the house, called your family to see if they’ve seen them. Finally, you face facts. Somehow, you lost your car keys.

There’s never a good time to lose your keys, but in an ideal world, you at least have a spare. But, what do you do if there is no spare?

Even without a spare key, there’s no need to panic. Car key replacement services exist that can help you recreate the key for your vehicle. If you want to learn more about how, then you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explain how to get a replacement car key. Keep reading!

Car Key Replacement Step One: What Is Your Car Key Type?

Many people don’t realize that their car key is a more complex item than their house key. However, things are not so straightforward. Numerous technological developments occurred to make car keys more secure. Since key types are rarely universal, you need to know what type your car utilizes.

Transponder Keys

Many modern vehicles use programmed transponder keys. Additionally, these keys often pair with a keyless entry remote (also known as clickers or key fobs) to lock and unlock doors. These keys are essentially standard models for cars manufactured since the late ’90s.

These keys are popular models that create increased security for your car. However, it makes it difficult to create a copy of the key.

Keyless Entry Remotes

In the past, most key fobs only unlocked your doors. In recent years, however, they have expanded to include starting your car remotely. There are several benefits to these fobs that make your automobile more accessible to you.

However, if you lose this fob, you’ll likely lose sight of those advantages. Replacing a key fob is far more complex and much pricier than with traditional and transponder keys.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys offer the least amount of technological security to your car. Usually, you’ll only see these key types if you drive a much older vehicle. However, if you want keys that are straightforward to duplicate, these keys are your gold standard.

Because they don’t have to maneuver the electrical parts of your car, duplicating these keys is a simple and affordable process.

Step Two: Car Key Replacement Near Me

Once you’ve identified what type of key your car uses, it’s time to look for replacement car key services near you. Usually, your top two places will either be your car’s dealership or a locksmith. Each of these locations has its pros and cons.

If your car is a much older model, you can save a lot of money and hire a cheap car key replacement through a locksmith. Locksmiths can craft a replacement key for older car locks with no issue since they don’t have to deal with programming the key to unlock your lock.

Unfortunately, however, if you use a transponder key or a key fob, you may need to work with your dealership. Because of these intricate shapes and designs, these keys are difficult for locksmiths to duplicate perfectly.

This problem only intensifies with the key’s programming. With more modern cars, your key can’t just fit the lock. Instead, it has to negotiate with several electrical components within the car. A dealership may have the best means to provide these services.

Step Three: Managing Costs

When examining costs, it’s vital to remember that sometimes saving a buck can cost you efficiency and security. Your key is fundamental to your car remaining protected. While you may think it’s worthwhile to save money and skip out on quality, think about the costs of a potential break-in.

With that said, let’s examine some of the particular costs you may need to cover. When you need to cut a new key, the shaping usually costs between $20-$40. This price depends on whether your key is laser cut or not.

Laser-cut keys have slightly thicker shanks and fewer grooves. The machines used to produce these keys cost a great deal of money. As a result, they are less likely to show up in locksmith and hardware stores.

Some of these machines automatically install transponder chips, but not all. Whether they include these chips or not, you’ll still need to have them programmed for your vehicle elsewhere.

Another cost that may concern you is your car key battery replacement. This cost primarily affects key fobs, which are expensive to replace and program. However, replacing the batteries is usually straightforward and cheap.

Step Four: Craft A Spare Key

Once you’ve decided who to contact about replacing your car key, you can usually unwind and allow yourself to relax. By that point in the process, you should have a new key in hand very soon.

However, if you can afford it, you should take advantage of your position. Take the initiative and ask the dealership (or locksmith) to cut a spare key for you as well.

As you can probably tell from this process, having a reliable spare key can save you a world of trouble. Even if you don’t duplicate your additional key fob, a spare key is far more convenient than needing a replacement key.

It will also take less time for dealers to cut a second key since they already have the original one in their possession. From there, it’s a simple process of replication. So, save yourself a lot of time and heartache by getting your spare key!

Get Your Replacement Key Today

If you need a car key replacement, don’t hesitate. Start this process today by determining what kind of key you need and who you want to contact. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can drive your vehicle again.

If you’re looking for reliable locksmith services in the Washington, D.C. area, then check out our website! We offer valuable car key replacements for a reasonable price. Contact us today for a free quote!