How to Duplicate a Car Key Without the Original?
2 Answers
Without the original car key, the owner can provide the vehicle license and identity information to the 4S store, and the 4S store can configure a new key. Below are some methods for preserving car keys: 1. Avoid attaching excessive accessories to the key: During the bumps and jolts of driving, excessive accessories on the key can cause wear and tear on the ignition switch's limit components and contact points through the lock cylinder, leading to looseness and premature damage. Over time, this may result in difficulty starting the engine or sudden shutdown due to power loss while driving. 2. Avoid contact with metal objects: If placed together with other keys, since keys are metal products, smart keys may malfunction if they come into contact with or are covered by metal objects.
Recently, my friend encountered this issue. After losing his original car key, we went to an auto repair shop together. The mechanic said that first, we needed to prove vehicle ownership by bringing the driver's license and vehicle registration to an authorized dealer. They could order a new key using the vehicle identification number. Most modern cars come with anti-theft chips, so key duplication requires specialized equipment to program and match the system; otherwise, the car won't start. This process usually takes two to three days and can be quite costly, ranging from 800 to 2,000 yuan depending on the car model. For security reasons, the dealer will also delete the old key codes to prevent unauthorized use. I recommend taking a photo of the key barcode and saving it on your phone or keeping a spare key at home to avoid being caught off guard. When it comes to key duplication, choosing an authorized dealer is more reliable—don’t try DIY tools and risk damaging the anti-theft system.
