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Can Locksmiths Make Keys for Cars?

Time and Cost of getting a new car key from a locksmith

By Kristina BijelićPublished 5 years ago 4 min read

All of us know that a locksmith can make the keys for our cupboards, drawers, and doors. However, many people underestimate the capabilities of a locksmith and limit his services. The fact is that a locksmith can do much more than simply fixing the locks.

One of the most valued services provided by a locksmith is to make the keys for the cars. Yes, a locksmith is talented enough to either make the car keys or rekey the car locks. Not only do the car manufacturing companies make the keys for the cars, but a locksmith can also do this job perfectly. In fact, the car key-making services of a locksmith are more affordable than those of the car manufacturing or assembling companies.

How does a locksmith make car keys?

To make the keys for the cars, the locksmiths follow a unique but step-by-step process which is as follows.

Tracing the key

The first step in making a new car key is to trace the code of the key. Every key comes with its unique code that never duplicates with any other key. When you lost your car key or want a locksmith to make a new key, he would figure out the key code and trace it to make a new code. Professional locksmiths have the most advanced tools, equipment, and software applications to do the job effectively to trace the key code.

Cutting the key

Once the exact key code is traced, it’s time to cut a new metal with the same shape as that of the previous key by following the traced code. Only an expert locksmith can do this job because minor mistakes in this step would fail a key from doing the expected job.

Programming it

Once the final design is traced, and the metal is cut accordingly, it's time to program it for the final job. Using the latest tools and technologies, the locksmiths do this step within only a few minutes to make a new key.

Testing it

The final step is the testing phase, in which the customer or the locksmith inserts the key into the lock to check if it is working or not. Keep in mind that the locksmiths don’t only make a new key but also offer the services for rekeying your existing locks.

Documents required for getting a new car key from the locksmith

It is important to keep in mind that you must have a few documents to verify that it is your vehicle. There are times when people stole someone's vehicle and brought it to the locksmith to get the new key for that vehicle. To control such crimes, every professional locksmith would ask you for some documents to ensure that you are the real owner of the vehicle. Normally, you would require to show the following two documents to the locksmith to obtain the new key for your car.

VIN or Vehicle Identification Number

A vehicle identification number or VIN is a special 17-character number that is unique for every vehicle in the world. No two cars or no two vehicles can have the same vehicle identification number (VIN). When you ask a locksmith to make a new key for your car or any vehicle, you just need to show him the VIN. This is because having a VIN is proof that this is not a stolen vehicle, and you have all the documentation of it.

Proof of Identification

Along with the VIN or vehicle identification number, you also require to share the proof of identification with the locksmith. Proof of identification can include anything which shows that you are the real owner of the vehicle and you own it. For example, your license and the documents of the car that have your name and the car model on it. The proof of identification shows that this is your entity that protects you from legal lawsuits.

Time and Cost of getting a new car key from a locksmith

You must be curious to know the cost of getting a new key for your car from a locksmith. Fortunately, the cost of a new key from a locksmith is less than claiming a new key from the manufacturing company. Usually, all car manufacturing companies charge high prices for such services to build up the largest profits. In contrast, a locksmith always tells you the most economical prices for such services.

Moreover, a car manufacturing or assembling company would always take more time to make a new key due to its busiest schedule. In contrast, a locksmith can do this job much earlier for you to save your time. You can also get a new car key within only a few hours by approaching the emergency locksmith services.

Asking a locksmith to make a car key without the original key

The most stressful time is the one when a person either loses the original key or locks the car while the key is inside. Sometimes, it is easier to open a car by using a similar key, but at other times, it is the most difficult to open a car without its original key. However, a locksmith can help you here within the shortest possible time by making a new key for your car.

If you lost the key, you could ask a locksmith to make a new car key for your car. In contrast, a locksmith can also open a locked car by using his specific tools if you have locked the car key inside the car. Whatever the issue is, you can always contact a professional locksmith for the best possible solution.

Final Verdict

Whenever you are stuck in a situation where you need a new key for your car urgently, make sure to call a professional locksmith service. A locksmith is an expert in making the new keys for the key or rekeying your car locks. Moreover, it is most economical to hire a locksmith instead of choosing a car company for such services. Therefore, always contact a locksmith for your key and lock-related issues and enjoy their most reliable, affordable, and efficient services.

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