If you need to replace car keys, the type of key determines the cost and where you need to go to get it replaced. Gone are the days when every corner hardware store could create copies of all types of car keys. Depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle, the dealership may be your only option, and those car key types are never cheap in Fairfax, VA. Here are six automotive key types and how to replace them:
Traditional keys: There are still cars on the road that use the most basic type of car key. These keys contain no encoding or programming. They are merely cut metal that fits a lock. You can secure copies of these keys anywhere, and they typically only cost about $3 to $10 per key.
Master key: Early cars came with a master key that was not intended for use. You kept it merely to make copies from it. If lost, they were a few hundred dollars to replace, and sometimes you needed to also replace the engine management system. That was an additional few thousand dollars to complete, so you definitely never wanted to lose your master key! You are very unlikely to run into this phenomenon now, but if you buy a used car, double check the manual to make sure you do not need a master key.
Transponder key: A transponder key contains a microchip that offers additional security over a traditional key. Used since 1995, a sensor responds when the key is inserted into the ignition and activates the transponder. This allows the engine to start. Since the microchip is unique to the key, it can cost $40 to $100 to copy a basic transponder key. Since 1999, transponder keys have offered a rolling code, which changes every time it is used. These keys are $500 or more.
Switchblade key: Very popular on Volkswagen models, the switchblade key folds into a key fob and flips out when you press a button. Since it is usually included with other functions, replacing this entire apparatus costs $200 to $300. However, if you only break the metal shank, it can be repaired for around $75.
Valet key: Some makes and models allow you to create a valet key for your vehicle. This is a basic key that unlocks doors and starts the car, but will not open the trunk or glove box. Many people who regularly use valet services feel more secure giving them this basic key rather than their whole key fob.
Smart key: This is not a key at all, but a fob. When you are in range of the car, it will unlock it and start the car with the press of a button. There is no need to insert a key into the ignition. Unfortunately, if you lose this key, you are looking at spending $200 to $400 to replace it.
Artie’s Lock and Key can cut and program all types of car keys in Fairfax, VA. We can also rescue you if you lock yourself out of your car. Call us today for solutions beyond traditional lock and key services.
A key is a precious item. It gives the holder access to your home, vehicle or commercial property. That is why many people assume they should have as few copies of a key as possible. While this is true, having a spare key in Fairfax, VA is an absolute necessity for a number of reasons.
The many ways a spare copy of your key is a lifesaver
Having a few spare keys in Fairfax, VA will make your life so much easier, especially when you are in a pinch. If it sounds risky, you’ll want to read on to discover the many benefits of key copies:
Locked out: It’s happened to all of us. We think we’ve grabbed our keys, but they wind up lost or misplaced. Key duplication in Fairfax, VA is a cheap, effective way to ensure you can always get into your house or vehicle, whether your original key is at the office, on your kitchen counter or simply lost to the ages.
Everyday use: You should actually be using a copy of your key instead of the original. The original key should be stored somewhere safe in case of emergency. Keys break with enough time and usage. It’s better to make a spare key in Fairfax, VA with the original version instead of a copy.
Diagnose lock issues: If you’ve noticed that your lock and key aren’t operating as well as they did in the past, it’s time to test out the mechanism. If the original key works without issue in the lock, but the spare doesn’t, you need to get a new spare. If no version of the key, original or otherwise, operates correctly, you will want to contact a locksmith about replacing the lock itself.
Save yourself the stress: If you’ve lost or broken the original and only key to your apartment, home, car or business, it can take multiple days to get a replacement. That could equate to you having no access to this space until a landlord or dealership has the time to get you a new key. Instead of waiting around helplessly, just have a few spare keys in Fairfax, VA available so you can go about your life.
Access to trusted individuals: There are so many occasions when a friend or family member needs access to your home, vehicle or business. You trust these individuals, so it’s safe to give them a spare copy of your keys just in case. Maybe there will come a time when that spare key that they’ve held onto for years comes in handy.
If you’re convinced that having a few copies of your keys is a good thing (and trust us, it really is), give Artie’s Lock and Key a call about key duplication in Fairfax, VA. As a full-service, locally-owned and family-operated business offering the full range of locksmith services, we are fully licensed, bonded and insured. Additionally, we have the ability to duplicate almost any key, including transponder chip keys and proximity keys for push-start vehicles. Get in touch with us today to learn more!
Sometimes we lose our keys. Other times, we move into new homes with different locks. In cases like these and many other instances, you’ll hear conflicting advice. One person will tell you to rekey the locks and another will recommend completely replacing them. As a locksmith with over 45 years of experience in this field, let us explain when you should rekey or change locks in Fairfax, VA.
Key control
The main reason people look into replacing or rekeying locks in Fairfax, VA is because they are concerned about key control. This is the phrase used to describe the process of accounting for every key that can access your home, vehicle or business.
If you bought a home, the previous owners might have given out spares to any number of people who never returned their copied keys. If you are moving into a brand-new house in a single-builder community, there are likely a few construction master keys that can still open your doors. Due to the way these locks are built to allow for master keys, a construction company or contractor might have up to 16 different keys that could provide access to your home or building.
What’s the difference?
Changing the locks and rekeying are two very different tasks. When you change the locks, you are actually swapping out the hardware in the door. Both the keys and lock are new.
However, with rekeying service in Fairfax, VA, you only end up with new keys. It’s the same hardware that’s been there all along. A locksmith replaces the pins and springs in the locking mechanism so your old keys will no longer work.
Should I rekey or swap out the locks?
If your main concern is key control, you only need to rekey your locks in Fairfax, VA. To have your residential or commercial property rekeyed costs way less than replacing all of the locks. It also takes a lot less time to rekey your locks instead of modifying them entirely.
You should change the locks in Fairfax, VA when the hardware is no longer functioning properly. Just like anything else, locks experience normal wear and tear over the years. If your lock jams or turning the key isn’t accomplished in a smooth motion, the time has come to change them out.
A lot of residential and commercial property owners decide to get new locks for their doors to coordinate the overall color or style with the rest of the structure. With newer locks featuring smart technology available, others decide to upgrade their locks for better security.
Should I call a locksmith?
A lot of our clients come to us for lock replacement or rekeying service in Fairfax, VA after they’ve tried to handle the job on their own. Locks are deceptively harder to swap out than they might appear. Rekeying kits that you can purchase online or at a hardware store are notoriously faulty and unreliable.
If you need your home, vehicle or commercial building rekeyed or want all of the locks replaced, get in touch with the experts at Artie’s Lock and Key. Since 1975, the local community has called us for everything related to automotive, commercial and residential locks and keys. Contact us now to schedule service.
There’s nothing more terrifying than securely locking the car door behind you, only to discover well after the fact that you’ve accidentally left your child behind. That fear is never more prominent than during the summer months, when the temperature spikes and being left in a locked car could pose a genuine threat to your child’s safety. Fortunately, you can take steps to avoid locking your kids in the car and needing the services of an emergency automotive locksmith in Fairfax, VA.
Don’t overload yourself
Anyone with an active child (or several active children) understands how hectic the day-to-day routine can get. When you have a lot on your plate, it’s easy to get lost in a series of errands or get focused on another chore you have to complete later in the day. That makes you absent-minded, and when your mind isn’t on the task at hand, you make mistakes. You can avoid this simple problem by making sure you aren’t overloaded with tasks. Take it easy on yourself, and you’ll find it easier to focus on the present.
Have a spare set of keys
If you do lock your child in the car, the easiest solution is to use a spare set of keys to open the door. Most modern vehicles come with a spare set of keys. It’s always a good idea to make sure you have a set handy. It might even be a good idea to make multiple copies so you can have one on your person and one in the house in addition to the one on your keychain.
If you need to make copies of your car key, even those with a chip in them, an experienced automotive locksmith in Fairfax, VA can help you out.
Inspect your car regularly
It’s essential to remember that modern automobiles are built with children’s safety in mind. That said, automotive engineers are worried more about keeping your kid in the car while the vehicle is in motion. They are less concerned with making sure your child can get out when the car is stopped. As a result, the auto-lock feature so common in modern-day vehicles can malfunction, causing your child to be locked inside. Periodic inspection of this feature can help you make sure everything’s working as it should.
In case the worst should happen, we’re here for you
Sure, you’re distraught, but nobody is perfect. In the event that you should accidentally lock your child in the car, the first thing to do is act quickly and call an automotive locksmith in Fairfax, VA who will rush to your side. In our corner of Virginia and the Washington, DC area, that means placing a call to Artie’s Lock and Key.
We have more than 45 years of experience offering rapid, reliable service to residential and commercial customers throughout the area. Whether you’re locked out of your car or you need to completely replace the locks at your business, one of our highly-skilled technicians can make it happen with minimal hassle and maximum results. Visit us or give us a call to find out more. We can’t wait to help you!
Regardless of which industry your business is in, you are undoubtedly worried about security. Companies in Fairfax, VA are especially susceptible. Experts suggest that the city has a crime rate 76 percent higher than the average of cities and towns throughout the state. A significant portion of that crime involves incidents targeted at businesses.
Whether you are worried about your employees’ safety or you want to make sure that your stock is secured, the first line of defense in any well-secured company is a strong lock. Are your locks secured, or is it time to call in a skilled commercial locksmith in Fairfax, VA and have them changed?
Here are some signs to look out for.
People are always locked out
What price does your company put on convenience? If people are continually having to get out of their chair to open the door to your business because one of your employees is locked out, you are losing valuable productivity. It might be time to change the locks. Maybe there’s a malfunction. Maybe it’s time to upgrade to a better system. Either way, it’s time to call a pro.
Someone was recently fired
One of the most compelling times to call a commercial locksmith in Fairfax, VA to change your locks is in the days following a firing. Regardless of why someone was let go and whether or not you think they would pose the business any harm, it’s always best to play it safe and change the locks. There’s no telling what changes may happen to a person’s psyche in the days following the loss of their job, and it’s best not to take chances.
You moved
If your company has moved into new offices or to a new brick-and-mortar location, one of the first things to do to ensure everyone’s security is to get the locks changed. Regardless of what you’re told, it’s critical to ensure that no one can get into your business but the people you want.
Your locks are old
If you can’t remember the last time you had your company’s locks changed, it’s probably a good idea to go ahead and have them swapped out for new ones. Keep in mind that keys or swipe cards get lost, stolen or copied over the life of a lock. In other words, the longer your lock is installed, the higher risk you run of having the key to your front door land in the wrong hands.
Trust in the best
Don’t take chances by picking a subpar commercial locksmith in Fairfax, VA. Place a call to Artie’s Lock and Key. We use state-of-the-art methods to repair, replace or open your locks. It doesn’t matter if you’re locked out of your car, your home, your office or your storefront—we can help.
That commitment to cutting-edge service is just one of the reasons that Artie’s Lock and Key has built a reputation for excellence since we opened our doors in 1975. You can also count on us for first-rate customer care and quick, reliable service. That’s our promise to you. Give us a call today to learn more.
