Do I have to go to the Dealer to duplicate my car key?

No, you do not always have to go to a dealership to duplicate your car key; you can also use an automotive locksmith. A locksmith Store will offer better prices and mobile services, which is convenient for cutting and programming new keys in case of all keys lost or damage fobs. However, for certain high-end or newer models with specialized software, a dealership may still be the necessary option.

What is the cost of a car key replacement?

There are many factors Influencing the cost: the year, make and model of your vehicle, and whether aftermarket or original dealer key is been use to complete the task, it is also taken into consideration if the car is equipped with a regular ignition lock or a button you push to start. For regular ignition locks there is basic mechanical keys or transponder keys with or without remote controle.

Do I have to go to a dealer to get an ignition lock Replace?

Car Dealerships and mechanic shops in need of support at the request of their customers will subcontract a locksmith to rekey ignitions before installation, this is not a service that they provide, the part will be install as it came in the original package. Ignition lock cylinders can be purchased in two different ways; coded when the lock is already set up to a random key or uncoded when a locksmith technician will have to assemble the lock in order to match the desired key code, either way the lock can always be taken apart and rekey to match the original combination that will keep your car factory settings, there is no need to carry two different keys one for the door and one for the ignition when the job can be done by matching the original key code.

What is the difference between original and aftermarket keys?

Original keys, or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) keys, are made by the vehicle's manufacturer, ensuring guaranteed compatibility, quality, and a seamless fit, though they are typically more expensive. Aftermarket keys are manufactured by third-party companies, often costing less but carrying risks of lower quality and weaker signals, though some high-quality aftermarket options can rival OEM performance.

What is the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act?

Introduced in House (04/08/2011)

Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act of 2011 - Requires the manufacturer of a motor vehicle sold, leased, or otherwise introduced into U.S. commerce to: (1) provide to the vehicle owner and service providers all information necessary to diagnose, service, maintain, or repair the vehicle; (2) offer for sale to the vehicle owner and service providers any related tool or equipment; and (3) provide the information that enables aftermarket tool companies to manufacture tools with the same functional characteristics. Exempts trade secrets, so long as the information is not disclosed to authorized dealers or service providers.

What is a Key Fob?

The electronic device that acts as a keyless remote for a vehicle. By sending radio waves to communicate with a car's onboard computer remotely lock or unlock doors, start the engine, and operate other functions. While some suggest it stands for "frequency operated button," the term originated from the historical meaning of a "fob" as a chain or ornament attached to a pocket watch, which then evolved into a decorative keychain and finally the modern electronic security device.

Remote keyless entry systems started in the early to mid-1980s, with the French Renault Fuego being one of the first cars to feature a remote-controlled system in 1982, car dealers and mechanics began to use the term "fob" to describe the remote transmitter used to unlock and lock car doors.

What is a Transponder Key?

A transponder is a device that, upon receiving a signal, emits a different signal in response. The term is a blend of transmitter and responder. Transponder keys are automotive ignition keys with signal-emitting circuits built inside, they are often called "chip keys" as well