Can AutoZone make a key without a key?
When you lose your car key, it can feel like a major setback. Many people wonder if AutoZone, a popular auto parts retailer, can create a replacement key without having the original. In this article, we’ll explore what services AutoZone offers in terms of key duplication and replacement, and what your options are if you find yourself in this situation.
Understanding AutoZone’s Key Services
AutoZone is well-known for providing a variety of automotive products and services, including key duplication. However, their ability to create a key without an original depends on the type of key your vehicle uses. Here’s a breakdown:
- Traditional Car Keys: If your car uses a standard, non-electronic key, AutoZone may be able to create a replacement key using their key-cutting machines. However, they typically require a copy of the original key to make an accurate duplicate.
- Transponder Keys: For vehicles with transponder keys (keys with a chip inside), AutoZone can often provide a replacement. They have the equipment to program transponder keys for many car models, but they still need the original key or specific vehicle information to do so.
- Key Fobs and Smart Keys: AutoZone offers key fob programming and replacement services for certain vehicles. However, creating a new key fob or smart key without the original is more complex and may require assistance from a dealership or locksmith.
What to Do If You Don’t Have the Original Key
If you’ve lost your only car key, don’t worry—there are still options available to you. Here’s what you can do:
- Contact a Locksmith: Professional locksmiths specialize in creating new keys, even without the original. They can often cut and program a new key based on your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
- Visit Your Dealership: Your car’s dealership can provide a replacement key, but this option is often more expensive and may take longer than using a locksmith.
- Check Your Vehicle’s Manual: Some vehicles come with a key code card or information in the manual that can help a locksmith or dealership create a new key.
Key Takeaways
While AutoZone offers key duplication and programming services, they typically require the original key or specific vehicle information to create a replacement. If you’ve lost your only key, your best bet is to contact a locksmith or your car’s dealership for assistance. Always keep a spare key in a safe place to avoid this situation in the future!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much to make a key without the original?
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Locksmith Make a New Key? If you want the locksmith just to make the key for you using this technique, typical average pricing in the country $30 to $35 plus the key blanks to do an impressioning.
How much does AutoZone charge for a key?
AutoZone stores do offer key programming services, and the typical charge can vary but may range from $30 to $80, depending on the complexity of the programming process. It's often much less than other options.
How long does it take AutoZone to make a key?
How long does it take to make a key? It only takes a few minutes to cut a new key for your car, and programming a transponder key only extends the process by a few more minutes.
Can I get a key made without a key?
If you have a traditional key, a locksmith can make you a replacement key without the original on the spot. If you have a more technologically advanced key, you'll probably need to get a tow to a dealership and order a replacement from them.
Does AutoZone make keys without original key?
No, AutoZone and most retail stores cannot create a new key without the original. They can duplicate existing keys but cannot program or code new keys for your vehicle.
Is it possible to make a key without the original?
Yes. It is possible. By using a blank and a file and the skills, they've developed over the years a locksmith can create a key from scratch without the need for an original key.
How to get car key made without key?
If you have lost all copies of your car's original key, you can still have a new key made by an automotive locksmith. You will need to prove that you are the owner of the car by providing the locksmith with the car's registration or title.
Can AutoZone make a key without the original?
Though AutoZone no longer offers key cutting, you can still get assistance with your vehicle needs with service such as battery testing, fix finder, and other services at your local AutoZone store.
Can a Minute Key make car keys?
Looking for a car key replacement near you? Minute Key keeps you in the driver seat with easy, affordable car key duplication. From purchasing to programming, we've got all of your automotive key needs covered.
Can you have a key made by the vin number?
Most vehicles in the United States from 1990 and up have key codes that are saved on file with the manufactures. As long as you can prove ownership of your vehicle a car key can be made with the Vehicle Identification Number aka VIN number. Once a key code is pulled from the VIN number a car key can be cut.
