Car Key Duplication in Kennett Square, PA

A spare car key gives you another way to get into and start your car if your working key is lost or stops working.

In Kennett Square, we copy working car keys so you have a second one available. A worn key may no longer turn smoothly, and copying it gives us a starting point for making a spare. We look at the key and the car to determine what kind of copy the vehicle needs.

A plain metal key may only need its blade cut to match. Other cars also look for a signal from a chip in the key, so the copy must be programmed to work with the vehicle. If your key has remote buttons, a copy with buttons may be an option, though those functions are separate from starting the car and must be compatible with it. We make car key copies in Kennett Square for drivers who want a spare suited to their vehicle, whether that means a basic metal key or one with electronic functions.

For a work vehicle, we start by looking at your working key and checking what the vehicle needs to recognize a copy.

A plain metal copy may fit the locks but will not start a vehicle that requires a programmed chip. We explain which choices fit your vehicle before starting, including whether a copy with remote buttons is available or whether you would need a separate remote. That gives you a clear choice between a basic spare and one with the same conveniences as the original.

After making the copy, we check it with you in the door and ignition, and check that the engine starts. If your vehicle uses a push button start, we check that the vehicle recognizes the copy and starts as it should. When remote buttons are part of your choice, we test their functions too. If a test does not work as expected, we explain what we found and what options are available rather than leaving you to guess.

Keep the spare for your work vehicle in a secure, dry place separate from the original, rather than inside the vehicle.

That gives you another way in if the working key is lost or damaged. Avoid attaching a tag with the vehicle's plate number or your address, and make sure anyone who needs access knows where the spare is kept. Keep it away from water and excessive heat, which can affect its electronics.

Try the copy in the door and ignition, if your vehicle has a key slot, and check any remote buttons. It should turn without forcing and start the vehicle normally. If it sticks, fails to start the vehicle, or the buttons do not respond, stop using it and call us to check the copy and its programming. A cracked case or a loose metal blade is also worth having checked, since either can leave you with a spare that is difficult to use.