What is needed to duplicate a car key?
2 Answers
Bring the vehicle key, motor vehicle license, ID card, or proof that the driven vehicle belongs to you. Below is an introduction to the time required for key duplication: 1. Variation: The specific time may vary slightly depending on different vehicle brands. 2. Key matching: If it's just key matching, meaning no new key is added. Matching the original key with the vehicle's anti-theft system doesn't take long, usually around 2 to 3 hours, but this is under the premise of having professional maintenance diagnostic equipment and skilled technicians. 3. Lost key: If it's due to a lost key, adding or replacing a key or changing all the lock cylinders, the required time will be longer as it involves the security of the anti-theft system.
Last time I lost my car key and was really anxious. To get a new key made, you need to prepare a few things: first, you must have the vehicle's VIN number, as it's the unique identifier used to check the car model information; second is the key code—if the original key is still around, it's straightforward to replicate the shape and chip, but if it's lost, you'll need to retrieve the information from the manufacturer. I usually go to a 4S shop or an authorized dealer, bringing my driver's license and vehicle registration to prove ownership and prevent misuse by bad actors. During the process, they use professional equipment to program the key chip, and if it involves a remote, they also need to match the radio frequency. Cost-wise, a regular mechanical key can be done for a few hundred yuan, while a smart key might cost over a thousand, taking about one or two hours. Remember to regularly back up your key codes to avoid being caught off guard.
