The experience of losing your car keys is stressful and inconvenient, but having a spare set of keys, through car key duplication, can save you from the trouble of being stranded or changing all your lock systems. Duplicate car keys are a necessary backup that ensures you are always prepared and relaxed.
In this article, we will discuss the following;
- Reasons To Get Duplicate Car Keys
- Benefits Of Having Duplicate Car Keys
- Where To Get Duplicate Car Keys
- Factors To Consider When Selecting A Key Duplicate Shop
- The Cost Of Duplicating Car Keys
- Key Duplication Services Offered By Locksmiths
- Common Misconceptions About Duplicate Car Keys
- How To Take Care Of Your Duplicate Car Keys
Reasons to Get Duplicate Car Keys
There exist many reasons that must make you consider getting duplicate car keys:
Avoid Lockouts
It’s all too common to accidentally lock your keys in the car, and having an extra key set saves you from the high costs of calling a locksmith or towing service to unlock your car door.
Protection Against Loss
For instance, if you lose your car keys by mistake or misplace them somewhere, only a duplicate can help you out. It enables you to access your vehicle quickly without the need for lost car key replacement or replacement keys, which is quite expensive.
Shared Car Convenience
When staying with family members or in a shared room, it’s practical to have extra spare keys for everyone instead of just keeping a hideaway.
Emergency Preparedness
Natural calamities such as earthquakes and power cut-offs can occur; during these times, it may be vital for one to evacuate rapidly or reach their cars.
Benefits of Having Duplicate Car Keys
There are several benefits of investing in duplicate car keys that can make your life more comfortable and safer.
- Increased ease of movement: In case you lock the doors, having another pair of keys ensures you can enter or leave your vehicle at will, eliminating worries and allowing you to unlock your car door with ease.
- Reduced expenses on replacement: Facing the loss of only keys means replacing the whole locking system, which comes at a cost and takes much time. Spare copies help evade this expensive situation, making car key replacement less likely.
- Enhancing safety and security: A stolen key in the first set means backup keys help in reducing break-ins into your car.
- Shared ownership convenience: Duplicating keys for your friends allows them to have access to your car easily without having to give them the main one.
- Peace: Your mobility is made perfect when you know that there is an alternative set that can be used as similar to the original ones.
Where to Get Duplicate Car Keys
When it comes to getting duplicate car keys, you have many alternative ways:
- Automotive Dealership: Usually, the most reliable and secure place to obtain a copy of your key is at the dealership where you bought your vehicle. They can easily get into your original key code and create an entirely new set that is exactly matched to your car, with the assistance of an automotive locksmith if necessary.
- Locksmith: The majority of locksmiths do provide key duplication services, including automotive locksmith and locksmith services, and can even make a duplicate copy for your car either on-site or in their workshop. This option may be easier and more affordable than going through the dealership.
- Hardware Store: Some hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s possess machines that copy keys for motor vehicles. It may be a fast and cheap solution but these duplicates might not have high quality as when done by professionals, who could be a locksmith or a dealer. Finding a ‘key shop near me’ could lead you to these convenient locations.
- Online Key Duplication Services: Several online firms deal with key duplication which can send you a replica of keys meant for your car. This method is convenient but requires extensive information about your motor vehicle as well as confidence in order placement using a post office box.
Factors To Consider When Selecting A Key Duplicate Shop
Several important factors must be taken into account when selecting a place to get your car keys duplicated:
- Expertise and Experience: Look for someone who can show that he or she has been doing it successfully by using relevant technology and materials.
- Security and Reliability: The shop you choose must adhere to appropriate measures for securing your key information and curbing unauthorized access or copying.
- Turnaround Time: Think about the amount of time it will take the shop to complete the duplicate keys; you may need an urgent one.
- Cost: Compare prices from different providers so as not to compromise on quality by going for something too cheap.
- Warranty or Guarantee: The inclusion of warranties and guarantees in their work can help ease any worries you may have in mind.
The Cost Of Duplicating Car Keys
The cost of duplicating vehicle keys can fluctuate broadly depending on various factors:
- Type of Key: Price is influenced by the intricacies and technologies involved in making the key, whether it’s a plain metal key or a more complex transponder key. The advent of laser cut car keys and smart keys has introduced a new layer of security and convenience, affecting their cost.
- Provider: These could range anywhere from $5 at your local hardware store to $150 plus at a dealer’s garage.
- Location: Labour and overhead costs might push up the price tag on key duplication within particular areas/cities/metros.
- Additional Services: If there are other services needed such as programming a new remote control or replacing entire cylinders, then expect higher budget allocations towards this effect. Key and remote programming services are essential for modern car security systems.
For an accurate quote tailored for your specific vehicle’s make and model, reaching out to several potential locksmiths would be prudent to compare estimates across them all because prices will vary greatly among them. This is especially true for automotive locksmith services, which can vary widely in price.
Key Duplication Services Offered By Locksmiths
Due to their extensive array of duplication services, locksmiths are often selected as a favorite option when looking for places where one could get additional copies of a car key. Whether you’re looking for a locksmith who makes keys or specifically a locksmith who makes car keys, they’ve got you covered.
- Standard Key Duplication: Locksmiths can duplicate existing keys for you, from simple metal pieces to electronic transponder pieces. If you’re searching for ‘automotive key cutting near me’ or ‘cut car keys near me’, a local locksmith is often your best bet.
- Key Fob Programming: Most locksmiths can configure new key fobs or remotes so that they can be used in your car correctly just like any other keys. Services for ‘key fob replacement near me’, key programming, and car key programming are readily available at most locksmiths.
- Keyless Entry System Repair: A locksmith might help you out if your car’s keyless entry system is not functioning properly by diagnosing and rectifying it, even replacing the whole thing in instances where necessary. Keyless entry repair is a specialized service that can significantly enhance your vehicle’s convenience and security.
- Ignition Key Replacement: If a vehicle’s ignition key is damaged or becomes unusable, a locksmith can craft a locksmith replacement key that matches its cut and coding for seamless insertions.
- Emergency Lockout Services: When someone accidentally locks their car keys inside the vehicle, emergency lockout service providers, including those skilled in locksmith lost car key scenarios, can swiftly open the locked car, providing an alternative set of keys.
Common Misconceptions About Duplicate Car Keys
There are various common misconceptions about duplicate car keys that must be cleared up:
- Unsafe: Contrary to the belief that duplicates increase the risk of unauthorized access and theft, reputable providers ensure that duplication services are as secure as the originals.
- Expensive: Contrary to what many believe, the cost of duplicating a key is usually far less than the expense of replacing an entire lock system if you lose your only set of keys.
- Can’t Be Made for Newer Cars: Thanks to advancements in the auto industry, locksmiths and dealerships can now create duplicates for even the latest car models.
- Don’t Work as Well as the Original: Professionally produced duplicate car keys will typically serve you just as well as your vehicle’s original keys.
How to Take Care of Your Duplicate Car Keys
For a longer life for your duplicate car keys, here are things to consider:
- Ensure That You Store Them Well: It’s wise to keep your duplicate keys in a secure place, such as a locked drawer or safe, where they can’t be stolen or misplaced.
- Avoid Overuse of the Key: Attaching additional key accessories to your second set of keys, apart from the original one, can cause early wear and tear.
- Put Them Away From Moisture and Damage: Ensure your duplicate keys are stored in dry, clean places away from excessive moisture or physical damage.
- Keep Duplicates Up-to-date: So, if you modify anything concerning your first car’s key like adding remote controls or changing ignition systems, make sure that this is updated on their duplicates also.
- Change Broken or Used-out Keys: Once these replicas begin showing signs of wear, such as worn-out blades or malfunctioning fobs, it would be better to replace them so that they still work properly. Addressing a broken car key promptly ensures your vehicle remains accessible and secure.
That way, even when taken care of very well they never disappoint when needed.
Conclusion
Duplicate car keys are an essential backup that can provide you with peace of mind, convenience, and cost savings in the event of a lost or stolen key. By understanding the reasons to get them, the benefits they offer, and the best places to have them made, you can ensure you’re always prepared for the unexpected. Remember, investing in a set of duplicate car keys is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and security they can provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to get a duplicate car key made?
The time it takes to get a duplicate car key made can vary depending on the provider and the type of key. Most locksmiths and dealerships can produce a standard metal key within 15-30 minutes, while more complex transponder keys may take 1-2 hours.
2. Can I get a duplicate key for a used car I just purchased?
Yes, you can typically get a duplicate key made for a used car, even if you didn’t purchase the vehicle from the original owner. You’ll need to provide the vehicle identification number (VIN) and any other necessary information to the key duplication provider.
3. Do I need to program a new key fob with my duplicate car keys?
In many cases, yes. If your car’s key fob or remote is programmed to your vehicle, the duplicate key will likely need to be paired with the fob to ensure full functionality. A locksmith or dealership can typically handle this programming for you, including transponder key programming and chip key programming, to match your vehicle’s security system.
4. How can I tell if my duplicate car keys are working properly?
Test your duplicate keys by using them to unlock the doors, start the ignition, and activate any other key-dependent functions in your vehicle. If anything seems to be malfunctioning, contact the provider who made the duplicate keys for assistance.
5. How often should I get a new set of duplicate car keys made?
There’s no set timeline for replacing duplicate car keys, but it’s a good idea to consider getting a new set every few years or if you notice any signs of wear and tear on the existing duplicates. This can help ensure they continue to function reliably.
