Where Are You Going To Find Replacement Car Key Near Me One Year From Now?

Where Are You Going To Find Replacement Car Key Near Me One Year From Now?

Finding a Replacement Car Key Near Me

The loss of your car keys is a stressful and traumatic experience. Fortunately, many AutoZone locations provide key cutting services that can help you get back on the road in a hurry.

For less than $10, you can replace the traditional metal key at any AutoZone. For more advanced options like the key fob, key with switchblade or transponder key, you'll need go to an authorized dealer.

Traditional Keys

Cars that have traditional keys have only one metal key that has a shaft and head that fits into the lock. They've been used for a long time and, although they may not be as user-friendly as the latest fobs or push-to start systems, they offer many advantages over other alternatives. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and offer physical security. Traditional keys are durable, and they can even outlast the car itself.

If you own an ordinary key and want to replace it, the process is fairly straightforward at most AutoZone locations. Bring your key to the store, and an associate will match it with a new key that is made specifically for your car's model year, year, and make. The key cutting machine will trace the original contours and create an exact replica with the same shape. It takes just a few moments and is less expensive than buying a new key at a dealer.

Many people purchase traditional keys online in order to get them as quickly as they can. This can be a good alternative if you don't have much time to wait for a locksmith, or in case you don't want to spend the money on the replacement of a key from a dealership. This option could cost more than hiring a locksmith especially if the key you need is chipped.

Info  to traditional keys are the fact that they're harder to use when you're carrying groceries, luggage, or children with both hands. They are also prone to getting lost if they're not tucked securely in your pocket or keychain. They're not as robust as other types of keys and don't come with tracking devices that will help you locate them if you lose them.

Another important thing to remember is that in the event that you lose your original key, it will likely be necessary to contact a professional automotive locksmith for the installation of a new ignition. This service may take longer than a regular key replacement, however it will save you money in the end, by making it less necessary to employ an locksmith to replace your car keys.

Key Fobs

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not a big issue. It would cost you some money to have a locksmith create an exchange however it wasn't a huge hassle. Modern cars employ sophisticated technology and a lost key fob can be a real hassle to replace.

Key fobs, small, plastic devices, are able to lock and unlock your vehicle at the touch of one button. They can also disarm the alarm or arm it, and open the trunk. The key fobs operate by sending a radio signal to the key reader in the ignition of your vehicle. This is then a signal to the vehicle to start its engine and open the doors. Fobs can be used to control security systems at home.

If you have an ID card, it is essential to keep an extra key on hand. You will save yourself the hassle and expense of having to pay an individual dealer to cut and program a key which could cost over $200. Check your auto club membership or insurance policy to determine whether it covers the cost of replacing lost keys fobs, if you have a newer car.

Another option is to purchase an aftermarket key fob online. You can usually find an ordinary key fob for around half the price you'd pay at a dealer. However, you'll need to cut it and have it programmed at a locksmith or a company that provides this service.

Many locksmiths charge an hourly fee to cut and program a replacement key fob. The cost can vary based on the car model, year and key fob features. If you have a sophisticated fob, you should be aware that they are sometimes more difficult to program. You'll need the owner's manual for the specific vehicle, and follow the steps to reset them.


A key fob can also be beneficial for apartments that don't have locks on all doors. Fobs can be used to open the door, meaning you don't have to worry about being locked out when you are carrying your groceries in.

Smart Keys

A smart key contains an embedded microchip that only the car's system recognize. When the smart key is placed into the ignition the sensor opens the doors and then starts the engine. This type of key offers numerous benefits, including convenience and increased security. However, there are a few points to be aware of prior to buying one.

Most newer cars do not allow the use of traditional keys. Instead they require the use of a key fob or a smart key to unlock and start the car. Smart keys also come with security features that will help protect against theft. They are more difficult to steal for tech-savvy thieves because they send a new frequency signal each when the door or trunk is closed. If the smart key battery goes out, the vehicle can still be operated by an alternative ignition key.

Smart keys also let you to secure your vehicle remotely by using an app on your smartphone. This is useful if you need to leave your car at home for instance, when you are loading groceries into the trunk or going out for lunch. It is important to remember that if your phone gets lost, it won't be able to unlock your car or start it.

If you have lost your smart key Contact roadside assistance to schedule an appointment to take it into the dealership so they will be able to replace it. Locksmiths can make traditional car keys, however a smart key, or transponder requires specialized equipment. The dealership has to provide this.

A traditional key can be copied at locksmiths, but the new key may not function correctly when it's not programmed correctly. If you don't own the original key, a locksmith can do the programming, but you'll have to bring it back to the dealer to electronically pair the computer chip. This could take a few days in some cases. Be prepared to wait, if you've lost your smart key.

Roadside Assistance

You can add roadside assistance to your insurance policy for vehicles or get it from third-party providers like credit card companies or AARP. It covers a variety of services, including towing, fuel delivery and locksmith services. It may also cover the expenses of a rental vehicle or hotel stay when your vehicle fails to start.

The kind of car key you have can impact the ease with which you can get back into your car in the event of being locked out. Locksmiths can copy traditional keys, which are relatively simple to duplicate. If your car is equipped with an electronic laser cut, smart key that must be programmed by your dealer it may take longer and cost more money to get a new one fitted to your vehicle.

It's impossible to predict the moment when your keys break or disappear and it's a good idea to have a few extra sets on hand. You can also purchase a Bluetooth tracker that you connect to your keys. It emits a signature that can be connected to a smartphone application to locate your lost keys.

You may need to replace your mechanical key at some point, regardless of whether it's an older model that has keyfob, or a more modern one that has a keyfob. The teeth of the car key could begin to wear down, for instance, or you may find that keys only open the doors a little bit when you turn it. If you notice that the teeth of your car key are beginning to wear down, it's an ideal idea to contact roadside assistance to have the key replaced.

Many insurance companies provide roadside assistance as part of their comprehensive policies. Having this coverage will save you the expense of a replacement key or key fob in the case of loss or theft however, it's worth weighing the savings in money against your insurance deductible and how much time it could be to file a claim.