Almost everyone knows that one person who always loses their car keys. It can be incredibly frustrating to find yourself stranded when you least expect it. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get your car key replacement when you’re in a bind. Some of them are more affordable than others, but all can get you on the road again quickly.
When you’re in a hurry, it’s tempting to go straight to the dealership when you need to replace your car key. However, in many cases, an automotive locksmith will be the more beneficial choice. Here are a few reasons why.
First and foremost, the process to get a replacement car key at a dealership is typically more expensive than if you call an automotive locksmith for help. The reason is that dealerships specialize in selling cars and they have lots of administrative tasks on their plate as well. As such, they aren’t always focused on the individual needs of customers who are in a pinch.
In addition to that, most dealerships only operate during business hours, so they aren’t able to respond to calls outside of those times. When you’re in a rush, the last thing you want is to be stuck without a way to get to your job or meet your family for dinner. With a locksmith, on the other hand, you can reach them any time of day.
Another thing to consider is that the process for getting a replacement car key at the dealership can be even more complex than at an independent locksmith. This is especially true if your vehicle has a smart key, switchblade key, or transponder chip. These chips are programmed to the immobilizer of your car, which means that they require special tools and software to clone or program them into another key. The dealer will likely charge more for this because they need to have a specific tool on hand.
The good news is that most experienced locksmiths will be able to handle most replacement car key scenarios without needing to visit the dealership for additional resources. This is because experienced locksmiths can often use a method called scoping to make new keys. This is a technique that involves inserting a tiny scope into the lock and capturing the cuts and grooves of the locking cylinder. This allows the locksmith to make a blank key that will fit in the ignition and turn it.
If you’re a frequent forgetter, it’s wise to keep a spare key with you at all times. This will ensure that you’re never left stranded when your keys are lost or broken. Additionally, it will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of emergency. It’s important to remember that keeping your proof of ownership papers with you at all times (like your insurance ID card, registration, or title) can also come in handy when it comes to replacing your keys in an emergency. Car key replacement locksmith