Car Key Duplication in Kennett Township, PA

A spare car key gives you another way to use your car if your working key is lost or stops working.

In Kennett Township, we duplicate a working car key, cutting a copy to fit your car and programming it when the car requires a chip. Making a copy while you still have a working key gives us an original to work from. Replacing a lost key when you have no working one is a different job.

Some cars use a plain metal blade, so a cut copy may be all you need. Other cars need a chip in the copy that is programmed to the car before it will start the engine. Remote functions are a separate choice. In Kennett Township, you may be able to choose a spare that starts the car but has no lock and unlock controls, or a compatible remote key with those features. If you want those controls on your spare, the available option must be compatible with your car.

We first examine your working key for wear and check how it operates in your car.

A copy made directly from a worn pattern can carry the same wear, so we look at whether the original pattern can be identified rather than simply tracing what remains. We explain what we find and the options for your vehicle before cutting. A plain blade may be enough for some cars, while others need a chip programmed to let the car start.

Your choices may also include a copy with remote buttons, if a compatible version is available. Those controls are separate from the security function that allows the car to start, so we explain which functions the copy will have. Once it is cut and any required programming is complete, we test it with you in the door lock, if your car has one, and in the ignition slot if there is one. For a push button start, we check that the car recognizes the copy and starts using its normal start procedure.

Keep one key at home in a dry, secure spot and carry the other on your ring.

Storing the spare separately gives you another way to get into and start your car if the one you carry is lost. Keep both away from moisture and heavy pressure, and avoid hanging a bulky collection of items from the ring. If the blade bends or the case cracks, set that copy aside rather than risking further damage.

Watch for a copy that sticks in the door or ignition, fails to start the car, or has remote buttons that respond inconsistently. Don't force it if it catches. Check the remote battery if the buttons stop responding, but a new battery may not resolve the issue. If trouble continues, contact us with the symptoms and which key is affected. We can look at the copy and explain whether it needs adjustment, programming or replacement.