Can a Locksmith Make a Car Key Without the Original in Fort Lee?

In Fort Lee most people believe that without the original car key you would need to tow the vehicle to the dealership and pay huge costs for getting a replacement. Well not always. A competent automotive locksmith can easily make a copy of the original key even if the original one is lost. Todays locksmith equipment allows making transponder keys key fobs smart keys and many other types of car keys without requiring the old one as a template.

How a Locksmith Makes a Key Without the Original

The first step in this process involves identifying your vehicle. An experienced car locksmith will be able to find out the car model by looking at its VIN number. For classic cars with conventional mechanical keys the locksmith can read the pin code from the lock cylinder and cut a duplicate using his equipment.

When it comes to the transponder keys installed in modern cars the process is much more complicated. A transponder key consists of a chip that interacts with the immobilizer of the car. To create such a key a locksmith should have appropriate programming equipment. As for the actual key the locksmith needs to cut it for your car ignition and door locks. Overall the process does not take much time and the locksmith can complete this work at your location right now in Fort Lee.

Types of Car Keys a Locksmith Can Replace

Mechanical keys are simple and are installed in old cars. With the use of special equipment a locksmith can cut a new key on site without any problems.

Transponder keys became popular in the mid 1990s and require a special approach. It is necessary to program a chip of the transponder according to the car immobilizer which is why a locksmith will require specific equipment to make such a key.

Key fobs are a combination of the transponder key and a remote key fob. To replace this key the locksmith should cut the actual key and perform programming. Moreover some car models have the key fob integrated into the ignition key.

A smart key or proximity key is usually used for starting the engine without inserting the key in the ignition lock. Making a replacement for this type of key also requires special equipment.

Locksmith vs Dealership

When it comes to replacing a lost car key going to a local dealership is a viable option. However the services of a professional locksmith may be more preferable to you. Firstly a locksmith comes to your address. If your car is located in Fort Lee and cannot be transported to the nearest dealership you can invite a locksmith to work on the vehicle at your current location. Secondly the cost of such a service at a locksmith is significantly lower than the cost at a dealership. Dealerships usually make a profit on selling key blanks and programming of keys.

Another significant advantage of calling a mobile locksmith is the shorter waiting period. Many dealerships need additional time to order the required key blank. In contrast a locksmith that works with cars regularly will have various types of key blanks in stock and can make a key on site.

What You Need to Provide

Once you contact a locksmith to replace a car key without an original provide information about the vehicle year make and model. Also if you know the VIN number mention it when placing an order. Finally provide the documentation proving your ownership of the car. Most likely you will be asked to present the car registration certificate or title along with a valid photo identification.

Prevention Measures

After getting a copy of the original key consider getting another spare copy in case of an emergency situation. Storing a spare key at home or giving it to a close friend or family member will prevent you from becoming locked out of your car. Regarding cars with transponder and smart keys it would be more beneficial to get another programmed key right during the visit of the locksmith.

If you need assistance in replacing a lost car key in Fort Lee NJ give us a call. Contact EZ Locksmith at (973) 952-6469 right now and we will provide our urgent car key services on site.