Can I Start a Car Without a Key?
If your car starts with a mechanical key, the short answer is “no.” It’s technically possible, but you would probably cause so much damage ripping things apart trying to do it that you would end up wishing you had just called a locksmith instead!
If your car starts up with a key fob, otherwise known as a remote starter device, the answer is “maybe.” There are a few possibilities to try before you jump straight to getting a new key made.
The first thing to check is the fob’s battery. It may simply be dead and need to be swapped out. If that doesn’t help, check the fob itself for a backup mechanical key. These are sometimes hidden underneath the covering it comes in, with a little catch you need to pull on to extract the key from the fob.
Neither of those options worked? If you can’t get into the car, don’t smash the window — that almost always costs more to repair than a locksmith will charge to open the door for you. The locksmith might not be necessary just yet, though. You may have a remote unlock service available. Most manufacturers do this either through their mobile app or by having you call a special number that you can usually find online.
Can You Start a Car With a Screwdriver?
Unless you have a very old automobile (like pre-1990), no. Even with those older cars, an ignition is very unlikely to turn over with a screwdriver alone. There are a few model types out there that can be started this way, but the method of starting most old cars with a screwdriver actually involves “hotwiring” as well.
This process probably isn’t even worth thinking about unless it’s very old with little value that’s nearing the end of its life, and it’s some sort of absolute emergency situation. Otherwise, you’re better off just calling a locksmith to have a replacement fabricated on the spot for you. It’ll almost certainly be a better outcome than the potential failure and possible permanent damage you can cause to the vehicle by trying something you saw in a movie years ago.
Can I Get a Key Made Without the Original?
You certainly can. An automotive locksmith generally only needs access to the lock to fabricate a replacement for you on-site. The equipment needed to make most types of keys is generally in the locksmith’s van, and the service can usually be done in 15 to 60 minutes depending on the type you have.
You’ll just need to have proof of ownership of the vehicle.
Can a Locksmith Make Me a New Key?
Yes! In most cases, our mobile locksmiths can fabricate a new one for you on-site.
There are several different types of keys you might have. The basic, old-school mechanical variety is the easiest to fabricate. We can also create duplicates of the higher-security laser cut keys.
Got an electronic fob? In most cases, this is no problem either. We can create a new fob for you that opens all of your doors and starts your engine.
We can also replicate some transponder keys. If it is not one of the newer models of vehicle that use “rolling codes” it should not be a problem; most vehicles over five or so years old fall into this category. If you have a newer vehicle with a high-security transponder system, it may still be possible to create a new version, depending on who the manufacturer is.
If not, we can tell you how to contact the manufacturer to get a replacement key.
In general, a locksmith’s services are going to be substantially less expensive than going back to the dealer to get replacement keys.
Get Access to Your Car, New or Old
When you’re locked out of your auto or lose your keys, the best move is almost always to just call a locksmith right away. Even an emergency service is going to cost substantially less than repairing a broken window or damaging the vehicle while trying to hotwire it in some way. Not to mention the possible cost of damage, theft or towing if you leave the automobile somewhere unfamiliar for an extended period of time.
In addition to always being available, even on holidays, Express Locksmith can quickly replicate nearly any kind of automotive keys for you. If you get stuck away from home, you don’t have to leave your car on a street or in a parking lot; our locksmiths will respond and create a replacement for you in a very reasonable amount of time. Worried that your electronic car keys were stolen? No need to fear, our locksmiths can program a new code for you and stop the old one from working.
Categorised in: Automotive Locksmith