Quick answer: once a mobile locksmith is at the car, most car keys for Japanese, Korean and most American cars are cut and programmed in about half an hour. That’s the time the job takes at your car, not how long until we get to you.
There are really two waits when you need a new car key. One is getting a locksmith to the car. That depends on where you are and what else is on, so we tell you when you call rather than promise a time. The other is making the key, and that’s the one this guide is about.
What does about half an hour cover?
It’s the work done at your car. We cut the blade, program the chip, pair any remote buttons, and test the key with you. It has to start the car and work the locks before we leave. How long depends on the model, so we tell you what to expect for yours when you call.
Does the type of key change how long it takes?
A little. The cutting is quick. What adds time is how much the key has to talk to the car.
- Plain cut key: older cars with no chip. Only the blade is cut, so there’s nothing to program.
- Transponder (chip) key: the blade is cut, then the chip is programmed so the immobiliser lets the engine start. More on how they work in our guide to transponder keys.
- Flip or remote key: the same as a chip key, plus the lock and unlock buttons are paired to the car.
- Push-button (proximity) key: the key stays in your pocket and the car is programmed to recognise it. These have the most to program.
Is a spare quicker than replacing lost keys?
A spare is the simpler job, because there’s a working key to copy. When every key is lost there’s nothing to copy. We read the code from the lock or the car’s computer, cut a blade to that code, then program the new key.
We also delete the lost key from the car’s computer, so it won’t start the car if someone finds it. Either way the work happens at the car, usually in one visit. Our lost car keys page walks through what to do first. Our spare car keys page covers getting a second key made while you still have one.
What slows a car key job down?
Most delays have nothing to do with the key. Have these ready and the job runs smoothly.
- Photo ID and proof the car is yours. We need your driver’s licence and the rego papers, or the rego in your name on your phone, before we make a key.
- The make, model and year. Tell us when you call, so we bring the right key for your car.
- Access to the car. We can’t make a key for a car that isn’t there, or for one we can’t get to.
- A car in someone else’s name. If it’s registered to a business or a family member, say so when you call and we’ll sort out what’s needed.
How does it compare with going to the dealer?
With no key at all, a dealer usually means getting the car to them, often on a tow truck. We come to the car instead, wherever it’s parked in Perth. For the cars we make keys for, it’s usually a lot less than going through a dealer, and no towing. What decides the price is in our guide to what a replacement car key costs.
Which cars do we make keys for?
All Japanese cars, Hyundai and Kia, and most American cars, including Ford and Holden. We don’t make keys for European or Chinese cars, and we say so on the phone. The dealer is the way to go for those keys. We can still open them if you’re locked out, and we don’t damage your car.
We’re based in Duncraig, Western Australia, and cover all of Perth, north and south. Lost the only key at Hillarys Boat Harbour or Whitfords City? We come to the car park and make the key there.
Common questions
Can you make the key while I wait?
Yes. We cut and program it at the car while you’re there. Before we leave, we test it with you: it starts the car and the buttons work.
Do I need the old key?
No. A working key lets us copy it, which is the simpler job. If every key is lost, we make a new one from the car itself for the makes we cover.
Can you do it at night or on the weekend?
Yes, we work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you don’t get us first time, leave a message and try again. We agree the price before we start.
Will the new key work my remote or push-button start?
Yes, for Japanese, Korean and most American cars. We pair the buttons or program the push-button key, so the new key locks, unlocks and starts the car like the original.
Need a car key made?
Call 0427 580 823Send an enquiry
Have your make, model and year handy.