Does a Car Key Locksmith Require an Original Copy of Your Key?
It’s one of your worst nightmares as a driver: you misplace your car key while you’re in a hurry, only to discover that it’s nowhere to be found. To make matters worse, you don’t have a spare key to bring to a car key locksmith. Fortunately, there’s no need to stress. Most skilled locksmiths are capable of replacing your lost key without requiring you to bring an original copy.
To ensure that you don’t encounter any problems while working with a locksmith, it’s important to understand what to expect. There are a few key steps that you should take before hiring a professional so that you can achieve your goal without any difficulties. Here’s everything you need to know about having your car key replaced by a locksmith.
Determine What Type of Replacement You Need
When it comes to replacing a car key, everyone’s needs are different. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that you know which type of replacement key is right for you. This will also help prevent confusion while you work with a professional locksmith.
Traditional Keys
To determine which type of replacement you need, start by looking at your car model. Cars that were manufactured in 1981 or earlier only require a simple key cut. This key cut comes from a standard car key block, minimizing the amount of work needed to produce your replacement key.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured after 1981, the process tends to be a bit more complex. In this case, a car key locksmith typically has to produce a transponder key, which is an advanced type of key that contains programmed chips. These chips act as safety features that boost the overall security of your car key.
Today’s transponder keys need to be correctly programmed after they are cut. Failing to properly program the key will prevent it from locking or unlocking your vehicle. If you own a newer car model, it’s well worth your time to find a locksmith who is trained to cut and program your key correctly.
Smart Keys
Some modern cars also use smart keys, which are more technologically advanced than transponder keys. Smart keys are designed to closely mimic remote controls. Unlike traditional car keys, smart keys do not require the user to turn the ignition. Instead, these keys act as key fobs and provide a much more seamless experience for drivers.
How to Prepare to Meet With a Locksmith
Before you hire a locksmith, it’s a good idea to be fully prepared to have your car key replaced. First, confirm that you have the following information handy:
- Make & model of the vehicle
- Year of the vehicle
- Registration
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
In some situations, it can be helpful to provide your key identification number, or key code, as well. This number is typically found in your car manual. However, if you can’t locate this information, don’t worry. Most car key locksmiths don’t require you to have your key code on hand.
Once you’ve gathered all the relevant information, it’s time to start looking for an auto locksmith that best fits your needs. The right locksmith for you depends on a number of factors, such as your budget, your location and the type of car you own.
Be sure to carefully consider your options as you search for an expert. By taking the right factors into account, you can narrow down your options and find the locksmith that best serves your needs. This includes looking at reviews and reading the company’s website to get a clearer idea of what services they offer, such as lock and door maintenance or emergency services.
If you’re looking for a local car key locksmith, you might want to consider speaking to friends in your area to get a recommendation. This helps raise your chances of finding a skilled locksmith that you can trust.
If you’re caught between several options, be sure to request information about services and pricing. By comparing the prices of different types of locksmith services, you can make a well-informed decision that lets you get the most out of your new car key.
Replace Your Car Key With Help From a Professional Locksmith
No matter what type of car you own, it’s crucial to find the help that you need to have your car key properly replaced. Trusting an expert locksmith to replace your key can help give you peace of mind and ensure that the process goes much more smoothly. The best part is that you don’t even need your original key to have a locksmith create a new one for you.
» If you’re in search of an experienced car key locksmith that you can rely on, WFX is here to help. Our professional locksmiths prioritize honesty and high-quality workmanship to deliver top-notch results. To learn more about the services that we offer or to schedule an appointment with us, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
