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Car key replacement - Red Key Rochester

Car key replacement services Rochester NY

No matter what kind of car you drive, a lost, stolen, or broken key can be a huge spike in your wheel! But car key replacement from Red Key Rochester NY LLC can make things right in no time. We offer car key replacement for a range of car makes and models on site, and we’ll come to you where you are in Rochester or surrounding cities, from Victor, to Canandaigua, to Brockport and more.

Here are a few common questions we get about how car key replacement works!

Is a replacement really necessary?

When your car fob stops working, you may be wondering if it’s salvageable before ordering a replacement.

We can take a look at your car fob to see if the problem is as simple as a dead battery. Or, we may find that the problem is actually your ignition, which may need new spark plugs or another replacement part.

For this reason, we suggest that you contact us before ordering a new blank key or fob so that we can determine if car key replacement is actually necessary.

Can I order a blank key or fob myself?

Nowadays, it is possible to order blank keys or fobs online for an affordable price. The problem is, though, that buying the right replacement for your particular car’s make and model can be tricky. 

You need to make sure that you’re able to find your car key’s FCC ID, a multi-digit number that ensures that the key or fob you order will be accepted by your car’s ignition or operating system. It can usually be found on the key fob itself or in the user manual.

If you’re not sure about the FCC ID you need, give us a call at Red Key LLC. We have plenty of experience finding blank keys online and can ensure that you get the right one for the best price.

Will the blank key I order online be ready to use?

The short answer is no. Even though you may be able to order your car key or fob online, it will still need to be cut with the use of a laser cutting machine for high security keys. 

Additionally, depending on the year your car was made, the new key may also need to be programmed to your car. Without this process, the new key will not be accepted as legitimate by your car’s operating system. So, while you can order the blank key or fob, you will still need a professional to get the key ready for use.

How do I know if my car key needs programming?

Most cars made after the 1990s will need some kind of reprogramming to introduce a new key. Here’s a rundown of the kind of keys that require this process:

  • Transponder keys. A transponder key has a chip in the plastic housing of the key that communicates with your car’s ignition with the use of a static or rolling (changing) code. We need to be able to read and duplicate this code so that it can be copied onto the new key.
  • Flip keys. Flip keys are a type of fob with the key housed within the plastic casing. They were rolled out around the time that car companies really started to improve their anti-theft security, leading to more complex reprogramming requirements for car keys. 
  • Push-to-start fobs. This type of fob is what most modern cars rely on for maximum security and convenience. Auto locksmiths need to have a specialized machine with up-to-date software in order to be able to program these keys. What’s more, some of these key programming machines are compatible with only a limited number of car manufacturers, which is why your auto locksmith may be able to program keys for some cars and not others. Locksmiths who have invested in the more wide-ranging machines can program keys for both domestic and foreign car makers.

Do I have to have my car towed?

The good news is, you can enjoy car key replacement without the expense of towing your car. When you call us, we’ll check our inventory for the blank key or fob you need or order one if we don’t have it in stock. From there, we’ll use our laser key cutting machine and information about your car to cut the blade. Lastly, we’ll show up on site, anywhere in the Rochester Area, including surrounding cities like Hentrietta, Pittsford, or Ontario to complete the programming process.

You can have your new keys without ever having to leave your property!

What information does my auto locksmith need?

When you call Red Key for key replacement, there are a few things we’ll need from you to get the ball rolling, including:

  • Your car’s make, model, year, and VIN Number. This will allow us to look up the FCC ID to order the right blank key replacement for your particular car.
  • Proof of ownership. Here at Red Key, we know that our clients trust us to do our due diligence to keep the community safe. As such, proof of ownership is required to duplicate or replace car keys. 
  • Your schedule for our on-site services. Once we’ve got the technical stuff out of the way, we can work with you to find a time that works for the key programming. The procedure itself is relatively fast, typically under an hour.

Make Red Key your go-to in Rochester for car key replacement

Whether you’re a Ford owner in Geneseo or a Toyota owner in Batavia, Red Key wants to be your trusted auto locksmith for the entire Rochester area. We do car key replacements in addition to a range of other services including car lockouts, spare key duplication, ignition repair, and more.