locksmith car key replacement is an important service that is surprisingly affordable. Typically, an auto locksmith is going to be your best option.
They can make keys for any make or model, including Ford, Chevy, GM, Acura, Honda, Lexus, and Toyota. They can also originate “proximity” keys.
The other option is to go to your dealership, but this can be expensive and time consuming.
Transponder Keys
The true security feature of your car keys is found underneath the plastic and buttons – a small microchip called the transponder. This chip sends a signal to the vehicle that only it can receive. The computer inside the car then responds. The signal is encrypted and unique to the vehicle and key combination, making it impossible for a duplicate to work in your car.
While this is not a foolproof system, it has drastically reduced car theft rates. However, there are criminals who have developed ways around the technology.
If you have a car with this technology, it is best to use a trusted locksmith. They can give you a new key with the right microchip that is guaranteed to work with your vehicle. You will also need to know your car’s VIN number to ensure that the correct key is made. This information can be found in your car’s owner manual or online.
Key Fobs
The key fob may be small, but it can do a lot more than just unlock your car. You can use it to remotely start your vehicle on chilly days, for example. That’s a feature that’s usually labeled with an arrow, as seen on the fob in this photo from Consumer Reports.
You can also use it to catch a breeze: Many newer cars let you roll down all your windows by pressing your lock button, reports HuffPost. That can help you maneuver into a tight parking spot or keep the bugs out in hot weather.
It’s possible to make a copy of your key fob, but it’s a complex process that requires special equipment and technical knowledge. The procedure also involves putting the car into a special “programming mode,” which varies by car manufacturer. That’s why most dealers only program replacement fobs if you show proof of ownership or registration. And online sites that advertise “programmed” fobs often require verification of your VIN or other information that would deter theft.
Broken Keys
Even the most durable keys can break over time, particularly if they’re old and worn. If the end of your key is sticking out but not in a locked position, you can try to rotate it with a pair of thin pliers or a narrow screwdriver (with care to avoid pushing the break point further inside the lock).
If your key is broken in half or has the electronic chip part broken off, a locksmith is your best bet for a quick and easy replacement. Attempting to pull out the broken pieces of your key yourself could cause further damage to the lock, and DIY hacks such as super glue are generally not recommended.
Instead, lubricate the lock with a little WD-40 or other locks-specific lubricant to encourage the broken key to slide out. A locksmith will be able to provide this lubricant for you, or you can buy it at most hardware stores. This is a much more affordable alternative to paying for a new key at the dealership, and it will also save you on the cost of coding a new key.
Lost Keys
There are few things more inconvenient than losing your car keys. You’re at the gas station, shopping, or headed home after a long day when you reach into your pocket to grab your key and…nothing.
The keys are nowhere to be found, and your mind starts racing with all of the ways that this loss will impact your life. A lost key can leave everything that it grants access to at risk – whether it’s your vehicle, a storage room, a tool shed, or even the entire facility and its staff.
Thankfully, locksmiths can usually help with this problem by providing the right kind of replacement key. Before calling a locksmith, however, it is important to find out what kind of key your car uses and to have your VIN (vehicle identification number) handy. If you have this information and can prove that you are the owner of your vehicle (registration or title should do), an auto locksmith can usually come to your location and duplicate your key onsite, saving you time and money at the dealership.