Have you ever lost your car keys or had them stolen? If so, you know the frustration and inconvenience that it can cause. One solution to this problem is to have a spare set of keys made. But what if you don't have a spare set, or the spare set is also lost or stolen? In this case, you may need to have your car keys duplicated.
In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about car key duplication including how it works, the different types of keys that can be duplicated, and the costs involved.
How Does Car Key Duplication Work?
Car key duplication is the process of creating an exact copy of a car key. This can be done by a professional locksmith or at a hardware store or dealership.
To duplicate a car key, the locksmith or hardware store employee will need the original key. They will use a key cutting machine to create a new key that is identical to the original. The key cutting machine uses a high-precision blade to carefully cut the grooves and notches on the blank key to match those on the original key.
The process of duplicating a car key is generally quick and straightforward. However, the cost and difficulty of the process can vary depending on the type of key being duplicated.
Types of Keys That Can Be Duplicated
There are several different types of car keys that can be duplicated, including:
Traditional metal keys:
These are the most common type of car keys and are relatively easy and inexpensive to duplicate.
Transponder keys:
These keys contain a small electronic chip that communicates with the car's ignition system. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the chip sends a signal to the car's computer, which allows the car to start. Transponder keys are more expensive to duplicate because they require a special programming tool in addition to the key cutting machine.
Smart keys:
These keys use wireless technology to communicate with the car's computer and can be used to unlock the car, start the engine, and perform other functions. Smart keys are the most expensive type of car key duplication because they require specialized equipment and programming.
Laser-cut keys:
These keys have a more complex shape and are cut using a laser rather than a traditional key cutting machine. Laser-cut keys are also more expensive to duplicate because they require specialized equipment.
When to Consider Car Key Duplication
There are several situations where car key duplication can be a good idea:
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You don't have a spare set of keys: If you don't have a spare set of keys and you lose or damage your original set, having a duplicate set made can save you the hassle and expense of having to get a new set of keys from the dealership.
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You want a spare set of keys for emergencies: Even if you already have a spare set of keys, having a second spare set can be a good idea in case both sets are lost or stolen.
Duplicate keys safe and secure. You don't want to find yourself in the same situation where you've lost both your original and duplicate keys. Consider storing your duplicate keys in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet or a secure location in your home.
Conclusion
Car key duplication is a useful service that can save you time and hassle in the event that you lose or damage your original keys. While the cost and difficulty of duplication can vary depending on the type of key you have, having a duplicate set of keys can be a smart and cost-effective solution in many situations. Just be sure to keep your duplicate keys safe and secure to avoid any additional inconvenience.
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