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Where to Get Car Key Cut Professional car key cutting services guarantee a smooth start and can avoid potential problems. They employ advanced equipment that ensure precision, and they offer warranties on their services. For the majority of modern cars, a transponder chip is required in the key fob. These are advanced electronic components that cannot be programmed except by the dealership or an automotive locksmith. Dealerships The first thought you might have is to visit your dealer if you've lost your key or your key fob fails. The dealership is the official dealer of your vehicle so they should have the ability to give you an additional key. You might be surprised at how expensive these services can be. There are other ways to save money on key replacements. Car dealerships might provide a wide selection of car keys, but they are more expensive. They may also not be able to make the type of key you require. Certain cars of recent years require a laser-cut key that requires specialized equipment to duplicate, program, 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 to dealerships. The majority of hardware stores stock an array of blanks for different kinds of car keys, which means they usually can meet most needs. In addition, they typically have cheaper prices than dealerships. In addition to providing a wide variety of car key blanks home improvement stores also have the tools and expertise to create replacement keys and key fobs. They can make laser-cut keys, which are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys made of metal. They can also reprogram your fobs when needed. Auto parts stores like Advanced Auto and NAPA make replacement keys. They have the necessary equipment to create 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, also have key-making services. In fact, you can get a car key or key fob made for less than $15 at many locations! They have a vast variety of blanks available and can even cut and program the key for you. However, key cutting cost is only possible if the original key has a chip within it that can be programmed with the vehicle's system. Locksmiths It's not a good idea to lose your car keys. If you lose your car keys the best thing to do is contact an emergency locksmith. They can quickly cut and replace your keys. In a lot of areas, automotive locksmiths offer 24/7 service to help you out in a crisis. They can cut any kind of key from standard to transponder, and they can also handle VAT systems for newer vehicles. Most AutoZone stores can repair or replace your car keys. The process is fairly straightforward: A staff member selects the correct key blank based on your year, make and model. A machine then trace the original contours of your current key. This ensures that the replacement key will be perfectly. If your key is equipped with a computer chip built into the fob it will need to be programmed. Some auto locksmiths can reprogram your keys at less than a dealership. They also usually provide faster turnaround times which makes them a good option for those in a hurry. A locksmith from outside might not be able work on the latest cars, for instance the ones that have smart keys. Walmart charges an average of $10 to cut a car key. This is a cheaper option if you just require a duplicate key. Be aware that keys made using machines are less likely than hand-crafted ones to last and will weather over time. If you wish to have your spare keys last for a long time, it's best to seek out the services of an emergency locksmith. Certain modern cars have smart keys that activate the proximity sensors. They're the most popular and convenient keys, but they're also the hardest to replace when you don't have an original. The majority of locksmiths in the automotive industry will duplicate a smart-key but you must bring proof of ownership like a registration or title, or purchase document. You may also need to pay for a tow truck to take your car back to the dealership. Online Key-by-VIN Suppliers Online key-by VIN suppliers are a convenient alternative for those who are unable to get to a dealership or locksmith. These businesses utilize the VIN number to create a replacement key that's a factory original. They cost less than a locksmith or dealer, but you will require an automotive technician to pair the key with your vehicle. Most cars built after 1990 come with a transponder chip that must be programmed into the vehicle for it to work. It is important to use the car's keys code, not the VIN when ordering keys online through a key-by-VIN service. If you decide to use the VIN it's likely that the key won't function if your ignition has been replaced or the door locks have been changed. Be aware that although key-by-VIN online providers can cut keys, they are unable to send you a programmed key for your vehicle. You'll still require an auto technician for this task, so be sure to add this cost into your budget when you choose this option. Dealers, locksmiths and online key-by VIN suppliers are the clear winners when it comes to precision. All of them cut their keys using codes, which results in a genuine OEM key. In contrast, big box stores only cut their keys with an automatic machine that can be less precise over time, and can result in a key that doesn't perform as expected. A key purchased online is more expensive than one obtained from a reputable locksmith or dealer. Online resellers usually use cheap parts and construction techniques and are typically sourced from abroad. Furthermore, you will not get any kind of warranty or support in the event that something goes wrong with the key. It is essential to have an inventory of transponders, keys, blank keys and remotes for every model of vehicle you manage. You can save time and money by using OEM websites of the manufacturers to locate keys for cars based on VIN or make/model. Big Box Stores Shopping online is so convenient, you might not wish to leave your house. However, not all shopping experiences are created equal. Some things, like cutting keys for your car, are better done in person instead of using the mouse. There are a lot of big box stores that have the equipment and know how to get your key copied correctly. They may not meet the standards of a locksmith, or a key-by-VIN service online however they are convenient and affordable. One of the most common places to get your key cut is at an auto parts store. This is a simple and quick process if you have a standard, non-chipped key. These stores have key cutting machines which can copy the contours from your existing key in a matter of minutes. Ace Hardware is a popular chain store. These chains have key cutting machines and can copy all kinds of keys. These chains cannot assist you when your key is part of a fob or contains a chip. Some of the more specialized hardware stores like Menards in the Midwest and Home Depot nationwide, have the capability to do key copies based on chip technology. However, you should call ahead to your local store to see if they can do this kind of key for you prior to you go to the store. If you own a security key, you'll need to visit your local AutoZone location. They have the tools, know-how and technology to duplicate the majority types of high-security keys, including those that are incorporated into key fobs. An associate will select the appropriate key blank for the year and make of your vehicle, and then use a key-cutting machine to duplicate your original contours. This will take a few more minutes than a standard key, but it will give you the assurance that your key is secure in the event that it is lost or stolen.