Car Key Duplication in Thornbury, Delaware County, PA

Having a spare before your working car key is lost gives you another way to use your car.

In Thornbury, we copy working car keys so you have a second key for the same vehicle. A plain metal key may only need a blade cut to match the original. Other keys contain a security chip that must be programmed for the car to recognize it and allow the engine to start. The right copy depends on how your particular vehicle starts, not just on the shape of the key.

Some car keys also have remote buttons for locking and unlocking the doors. A copy with buttons may be an option for your vehicle, while a key without them may still operate the door and start the car if it has the required security features. In Thornbury, we identify which kind of key your car uses and whether remote functions are available on the spare. Those functions are separate from the car's starting system, and the available key styles vary by vehicle.

We look at your working key and the car's starting system to identify what a spare will require.

Before making the copy, we explain the available choices and what each will operate. A plain metal blade may turn a lock, but a car with an electronic security system may also require a programmed chip to start. If your car supports it, you may be able to choose a copy with remote buttons for locking and unlocking, or a simpler version without those functions.

Once the spare is made, we go through its functions with you. If your car has a keyed door lock, we try the copy there. For a vehicle with an ignition slot, we also try it in the slot and check whether the engine starts. If your car uses a push button instead, we check the starting function using that control. We test any remote functions included on the copy as well, so you know what the spare operates while you still have the original.

Keep your new copy separate from the worn original, in a secure place you can reach if you need it.

Avoid loading the key ring with heavy items, which can put strain on the key and ignition. If the original is bent or catches when you use it, set it aside rather than forcing it. Keep the copy dry, and protect its remote buttons from being pressed under other items in a bag or pocket.

Try the copy in the door and use it to start the car, so you know how it works in both places. If it turns but the engine does not start, a chip programming issue may be involved. Buttons that do not respond could point to a battery or remote problem. Do not force a copy that sticks or will not turn. Call us if any of these problems show up, or if the worn original is becoming difficult to use, so we can check what is going on.