Buy Car Keys
Pop-A-Lock is the largest supplier of keys, fobs, and automotive key programming services to the public in North America. We use high-quality products, offer warranties on our parts and labor, and can typically offer the best value because of our purchasing discounts through our partnered vendors. If we provide service in your area, please consider reaching out to us for a free estimate to replace or create a duplicate key, fob or proximity key for your vehicle!
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Keys are more expensive than at any time in history. Our unique recycling program helps us reduce the cost of replacing keys by using proprietary technologies that allow us to refurbish old keys. We pay YOU for sending us your unneeded keys to pass savings onto our customers.
Key is not functioning. Sometimes the key wears down until it no longer retains its shape. It may also snap or bend, rendering it useless. Some more high-tech keys may be laser-etched or have wireless codes the car scans to ensure they are the correct keys. While this is great for security, damaging these codes can render an otherwise fine key useless. There is also the growing problem of having a broken remote built into a functioning key. The key can be used to lock and unlock the doors and turn on the car, but the malfunctioning remote reduces convenience. Always check the battery in the remote first to see if that's the problem. For security reasons, any issues with the keys or locks need to be addressed immediately.
2. Contact a locksmith. Older cars, especially those made by non-luxury manufacturers, have the easiest keys to replace. Making a call to the local auto locksmith can solve the whole problem in many cases. Additionally, a locksmith can end up saving you a lot of money compared to a dealership.
However, If the key is from a more modern car, the shape may be too complex for a local locksmith or it may need to be programmed to work with a certain vehicle. Some locksmiths are capable of digital programming replacement keys, but many cannot imitate a code laser-etched onto the key.
3. Have a locksmith make the key, and a dealer program it. If a locksmith can make the new key but not program it, take it to the dealership for that final step. The module that needs to be programmed can be very expensive through the dealership, so be sure to research other options. For example, Amazon offers replacement car keys for many different makes and models.
A transponder shank is either a basic car key or a laser-cut key (more on laser-cut keys later). The major difference between a basic car key and a transponder key is that the chip in the transponder key must be programmed before it can start the vehicle. All dealerships have the machines necessary to program the key. Some might program it for free, but others will charge up to an hour of labor. Most auto locksmiths should also have these machines.
A potential low-cost alternative for access to your car is to order a basic car key without the transmitter. This key will do everything but start the engine and can come in handy if you ever leave your keys inside the vehicle.
If you're the type who frequently loses car keys or locks them inside the car, you might be able to save money on the programming by creating a third car key to have as a spare. If you already have two car keys, a number of vehicle brands will allow you to program a third key on your own. You can have a locksmith cut this new key and then you follow the procedure for programming, which can frequently be found in your owner's manual. If the manual doesn't show you how, try searching online for the procedure. Try "How to program a (insert your year, make, model) key" as your search terms.
Our searches found a method that is said to work on many domestic vehicles. Insert one of your two working keys and turn the ignition to the "on" position for at least 3 seconds (the car does not need to be started), then repeat the process with the second key.
You can tell a laser-cut key apart from a basic car key because the shank is slightly thicker and has fewer carved-out grooves. Laser-cut keys are often referred to as sidewinder keys due to the distinctive winding cut on the shank. The machines needed to cut these keys are significantly more expensive than standard key-cutting machines and are not as likely to be found at every locksmith or hardware store.
Laser-cut keys also have built-in transponder chips, and they need to be programmed at the dealership or by a locksmith, preferably one who is a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). You can search for a certified locksmith near you by visiting the ALOA website.
All-in-one laser-cut keys are becoming more popular, but as we mentioned, these keys are more expensive and typically need to be replaced at the dealer. Including labor, they can range from $150 to $250.
Switchblade keys have shanks that fold into the key fob when they're not in use and pop out with the press of a button. They can have a basic cut or a laser cut. One small advantage of the switchblade key fob is that its components can be purchased separately. If for some reason your key is damaged and no longer works, you can buy the shank separately for about $60-$80. But the more likely scenario is that you've lost your key, in which case you'll need both it and the fob into which it folds, which can cost between $200 and $300 once you factor in the programming of both components.
These keyless entry remotes limit your options for a new key. The replacement remote must be purchased at the dealer or a factory parts reseller. And while it's handy to carry smart keys in your purse or pocket, these are the very places you will feel the pain when you lose them. The cost of replacing and reprogramming a smart key can range from $220 to over $500 for some luxury vehicles.
There's no denying that modern keys are expensive. And so the best defense against losing them is a good offense. It is better to get a spare key now, on your terms, than to stress out and spend the money in what might be an emergency. You can take advantage of the cost-cutting methods here and avoid the labor charges by programming the key yourself.
Finally, if you are someone who's tempting fate by only having one set of keys, consider this: If you lose all the keys to your car, you will need to get it towed to a dealership, and it can potentially cost you close to $1,000 to replace the locks on your car.
Does AutoZone replace car keys?Yes, AutoZone does replace car keys, though the key and key fob might be made of generic parts and won't look identical to the ones that came with the car. That said, AutoZone can be an inexpensive alternative to a key replacement from a dealership.
A reliable auto locksmith in Melbourne should be accredited and certified by the Master Locksmiths Association of Australia (MLAA), which ensures they have the skill and knowledge to create quality car keys without an original.
We at Alberta Car Keys purchase almost every make and model of gently used vehicular keys and fobs at a fair price. Sometimes specific keys or fobs are hard to source or are exceptionally expensive from the manufacturer, and Alberta Car Keys will try to get you the right key or fob at an affordable price!
Alberta Car Keys is passionate about saving you both time and money by offering a variety of keys and fobs both OEM (The manufacturer direct parts.) and 3rd party or aftermarket keys and Fobs. The differences are complex, and there can be great savings and value in selecting an alternative to the vehicle brands direct keys.
Alberta Car Keys is always looking to meet its clients need for a key replacement but mindful of costly OEM parts. Alberta Car Keys has spent over 25 years painstakingly sources affordable and reliable car keys and fobs that last the test of time but don't break the bank.Ask for a cost and compare! Offering both the mobile service van to program your key on-site saves you, not only costly towing bills and auto dealer service charges, but now you can save on your keys as well!
Whether you have old or unique car keys or fobs and looking to sell or recycle, or you want to order a backup key for safe keeping and emergencies, or you urgently need to buy a car key and don't want to break the bank, we are here to help!
Like the key that opens your home, the keys that started cars built for the better part of a century are plain cut metal. Newer cars may have a chip embedded in the plastic key head that talks to a transponder located in the instrument column, but even these are relatively simple for a locksmith to program in many cases.
Some locksmiths may program specific keys, though they will likely need a second, functioning fob to do so. Online sites advertising programmed remotes shipped to your door may not be reputable unless they ask for ownership verification, so shop wisely.
When you buy a new car, the dealership usually gives you two keys for your vehicle. One of those keys will become the one you use all the time, while the other becomes your spare. But if you buy a used car, you often will only receive one key. Whether it is because the previous owner lost the key or the key broke, it means you will need to make duplicate car keys in the near future. But why do you need a spare car key in the first place?
Though it may seem economical to just have one car key, having a duplicate can help you avoid worry, time and money. How? The car locksmithing experts at Lockworks Unlimited, Inc. have gathered the top reasons why you need duplicate car keys.
As you can see, having duplicate car keys is handy in a wide variety of situations. If you need to get a duplicates of your car keys made, we can help. The auto locksmiths at Lockworks Unlimited, Inc. can duplicate car keys, unlock cars, rekey ignitions and more. We operate 24/7 and serve all of San Mateo County, so all you have to do is call our number, (650) 955-4662. 041b061a72