Finding a Replacement Car Key Near Me

Losing your car keys can be a very stressful experience. Many AutoZone stores provide key cutting services to help you get back to the road quickly.

You can buy replacements for traditional keys made of metal at any AutoZone location for less than $10. Dealers can provide you with more advanced options, such as the key fob or switchblade or a transponder chip.

Traditional Keys

Cars that have traditional keys come with only one metal key that has a shaft and head that fits into the lock. They have been used for decades and, while they may not be as user-friendly as the modern fobs or push-to-start systems, they have many advantages over other options. They're easy to use, affordable, and offer an additional security measure. Keys made of traditional materials are durable, and they can even outlast the vehicle itself.

The majority of AutoZone stores can substitute a standard key. The procedure is easy. Bring your current key to the store, and an associate will match it with a blank key that's specifically designed for your car's year and make. The key cutting machine will then trace the original contours, and then create an exact replica with the same shape. It takes only some minutes and is less expensive than buying an entirely new key from the dealer.

Some people order traditional keys online to get them as quickly as possible. This can be a good option if there isn't long to wait for a locksmith to arrive or when you don't wish to invest in a dealership key replacement car keys with chips. This method could cost more than hiring a locksmith, particularly if the key that you need has a chip.

Some disadvantages of traditional keys include the fact that they're more difficult to use when you're carrying groceries, luggage, or kids with both hands. They can also easily become lost if they're not tucked securely into your purse or keychain. They're not as durable as other types of keys and don't come with built-in tracking devices to help you find them if they get lost.

If you lose your original car key, you will require a professional automotive technician to install a new ignition. This service may take longer than a regular key replacement car keys, however it will save you money by preventing you from needing to hire locksmiths to replace your car key.

Key Fobs

It wasn't that long ago that the loss of a car key was not a major issue. A locksmith would charge a small amount to replace your key but it wasn't a big deal. Modern cars have advanced technology, and replacing a lost key can be a huge hassle.

Key fobs, small, plastic devices, are able to unlock and lock your car at the touch of a single button, disarm the alarm or arm it, and open the trunk. Key fobs function by sending a radio wave to the key reader in the ignition of your vehicle. The reader will then instruct the vehicle to start its engine and then open the doors. Fobs can also be used to control security systems for your home.

If you have a fob, it is important to have an extra key on hand. You will save yourself the hassle and expense of paying an individual dealer to cut and program a key which can cost upwards of $200. Check your auto club membership or programmed insurance policy to determine if it covers replacing lost keys fobs if you have a newer car.

Another way to save is to buy an aftermarket fob online. You can often find a basic key fob for around half the price you'd pay at a dealership. It is still necessary to have the key fob programmed and cut by a locksmith.

Many locksmiths charge per hour to cut and program a new fob. The cost can differ based on the car model and year, as well as the key fob's features. Be aware that smart fobs can be more difficult to program. You'll need the owner's guide for your car and to reset them, you'll have follow the directions.

Key fobs are also useful for apartment buildings without locks for all doors. You can use the fob to unlock the door, so you won't be locked out while you are carrying groceries in.

Smart Keys Keys

A smart key is an embedded microchip that only the car's system is able to recognize. When the smart key is placed in the ignition, a sensor opens the doors and starts the engine. This kind of key offers numerous advantages, including security and convenience. However, there are a few points to be aware of prior to purchasing one.

The majority of modern cars do not permit the use of traditional keys. To unlock and start a vehicle you require a key fob. Smart keys have additional security features that can help to prevent theft. The fact that they send a different frequency signal each time the trunk is opened or the door programmed is closed, for instance, makes them harder for tech-savvy thieves to intercept. If the battery for the smart key goes out, the vehicle can still be operated using a backup ignition key.

Another benefit of a smart key is the ability to lock your car remotely with the app on the smartphone. This is helpful in situations where you must leave your car unattended while loading groceries in the trunk or going out for lunch. It is crucial to remember that if your mobile phone is lost, you won't be able to unlock your car or start it.

If you lose your smart keys, call roadside assistance for an appointment to take it towards the dealership where they can replace it. A locksmith can usually make a standard key, however, replacing a transponder key or smart key will require special equipment that the dealership will need to offer.

A locksmith can copy the traditional key, but in the event that the key isn't properly programmed, it will not function properly. Locksmiths can offer the programming service, but if you don't have the original, you'll need to take it to the dealership so they can electronically pair the new chip to your vehicle. In some cases it could take a few days to complete, so be prepared to wait if you lose your smart keys.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance is an added-on coverage you can get through your car insurance provider or through third-party companies like credit card companies and AARP. It typically covers the cost of a range of services, including towing as well as locksmith services and fuel delivery. You may be covered for the cost of a hotel or rental car in the event that your vehicle breaks down.

If you're locked out of your car, the kind of key you've got will affect how easy it is for you to gain access. For instance, traditional keys are fairly simple to duplicate and can be done by a majority of locksmiths on the spot. However, if your car has a laser-cut, programmable smart key that needs to be programmed by the dealer, it will take a bit longer and will probably cost more money to have it changed to match your car.

You don't know the moment when your keys break or go missing and it's a good idea to have a few spare sets on hand. You can also purchase a Bluetooth tracker to attach to your keys. It will emit a signature which can be connected to a phone app to locate your lost key.

You might need to replace your mechanical key at some point, regardless of whether it's an older model that has keyfob, or a more modern one with keyfob. You might observe that the teeth on your car key are beginning to wear down or that it opens the door a little when you turn the key. If you think your car key is starting to wear out, it's a good idea to call for assistance at the roadside and get the key replaced as fast as you can.

Many auto insurance companies include roadside assistance as part of their comprehensive policies. This protection could save you money on a new key or fob if your car is stolen or lost. However, it's important to evaluate the savings against the insurance deductible as well as the time it will take to make a claim.