No matter how you lost your car keys, you want a new set as soon as possible. But car key replacement isn’t cut and dry for every car make and model! Here at Lan Locksmith in Louisville KY, we sometimes receive calls from dismayed clients who were turned away from other mechanics or locksmiths, or didn’t want to pay the exorbitant prices of a dealership replacement.
If you want fast, affordable car key replacement, here’s everything you need to know!
If you have a car that is older than the 90s, chances are, you’ve got a mechanical key. The good news is, these car keys are the easiest to replace.
All we have to do is come to wherever you are with a blank key for your make and model. From there, we can cut a new key to fit your car and send you on your way! This is the same process for trunk or glove compartment lockouts.
Around the late 80s to early 2000s, car companies started to develop transponder keys as a way to boost security and offer more features like remote engine start.
This made car key duplication slightly more complicated for auto locksmiths because each transponder key comes with a coded chip. At the beginning of this tech development, the code could be duplicated fairly easily onto a new chip. But, over time, car companies introduced rolling codes that increased car security.
Another big change during this time was the roll-out of the high security key blade. You’ll see this design on all newer models, and it gives modern keys the look of a sleek blade instead of a traditional key with teeth. These keys require a specialized machine in order to cut them.
Still, even though the technology in these keys is a step up from a mechanical key, almost all auto locksmiths are equipped with the tools and know-how to duplicate transponder keys, remote keys and flip keys.
Within the last decade, we’ve entered into the phase of more technologically advanced car security systems. Today’s cars may have a keyed fob, keyless fob, or nothing at all (as is in the case of cars that can be operated through an app.) And this is where most car owners run into the issue of some mechanics and auto locksmiths not being able to offer car key replacement. Here’s why:
It’s for this reason that car key replacement for modern cars is the most expensive. You want to make sure that you have an auto locksmith who is well-versed in key programming and has the right equipment for the job.
When you take a look online for car key replacement, you’re bound to find many sellers of blank keys and fobs. The description states that you can reprogram these keys to any car or your car’s model.
But, we would recommend that you always get the advice of your trusted auto locksmith before making any purchases. We’ve seen many clients come in with a fob that they purchased online only to learn that it’s not compatible with their car and not programmable without a machine.
Here at Lan Locksmith, we have a large inventory of blank keys. And if we don’t have what you need on hand, we’re able to quickly order the correct replacement and program it for you.
Now, one of the benefits of modern car technology is that we can deactivate any fobs or transponder keys that have been stolen. This means that you can have a new set without worrying about the old one.
But, when it comes to classic cars, well, the process is a bit more complicated. Your lock may need to be replaced or rekeyed in order to protect you from future theft.
Once you’ve gone through the hassle of having your car keys replaced once, we can bet that you don’t want to do it again. So, here are a few recommendations for lowering your risk of losing your set in the future:
We service the entire Louisville KY Metro Area, including surrounding communities like Greenville, Crestwood, La Grange, Hillview, West Point, and more. If you need car key replacement, we’ll come to you!
