Losing your car keys or having them suddenly stop working is one of those frustrating occurrences that seems to happen at the worst possible time. Whether you‘re already running late for work or stranded far from home, realizing you can‘t start your vehicle is enough to ruin anyone‘s day.
Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common. According to a report by KeyMe, around 4 million Americans lose their car keys each year and spend $2.4 billion on replacements. On top of that, AAA reports receiving over 4 million roadside assistance calls annually related to issues with car keys and fobs.
Clearly, car key trouble is a widespread issue that affects drivers of all kinds. The good news is that you have options when it comes to getting a replacement set made quickly and affordably. One such option is Advance Auto Parts—a well-known retailer that offers key duplication and programming at many of its locations.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take a deep dive into the key replacement services offered by Advance Auto Parts. As a consumer expert and self-proclaimed "picky shopper," I‘ll provide insights on what types of keys they make, how much they cost, how their process compares to other options, and much more.
Whether you‘re currently in need of a new set of keys or just want to be prepared for the future, read on to learn everything you need to know.
Types of Keys Made at Advance Auto Parts
The complexity (and cost) of replacing a car key can vary significantly depending on the specific type of key used by your vehicle. These are the main categories you‘ll encounter:
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Traditional mechanical keys – Basic metal keys that have been used for decades. They operate purely on the basis of their physical cuts.
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Laser-cut keys – Relatively new keys that are thicker and have less deep cuts, making them harder to duplicate. They are commonly referred to as "sidewinder" keys.
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Transponder keys – Keys with a small RFID chip that must be programmed in order to start the ignition. The chip communicates with the vehicle‘s computer.
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Switchblade keys – Keys where the blade flips out from the fob like a switchblade. When not in use, the blade is concealed within the fob.
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Smart keys – Also known as "keyless ignition fobs," these don‘t have a physical key blade at all. They allow you to start the car with the push of a button when inside.
The chart below provides a breakdown of which key types are most commonly used by different vehicle makes:
| Key Type | Common Vehicle Makes |
|---|---|
| Traditional | Pre-1981 models from various makes |
| Laser-Cut | Newer Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Nissan, Infiniti, VW, Volvo |
| Transponder | Most post-1995 models from various makes |
| Switchblade | Primarily European makes like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Alfa Romeo |
| Smart Key | Some newer models from Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Toyota |
Fortunately, Advance Auto Parts has the equipment and expertise to handle around 90% of these key types across most major vehicle makes and models. This includes key cutting machines to duplicate traditional, laser-cut, and switchblade keys, as well as diagnostic tools for programming/coding transponder keys and smart key fobs.
There are a few exceptions, however. Certain luxury brands with proprietary high-security keys (like BMW and Mercedes-Benz) usually require a trip to the dealership for replacement. Additionally, some of the newest models with advanced theft-prevention tech may not yet be serviceable at all retailers.
Your best bet is to contact your local Advance Auto Parts store directly to inquire about your specific vehicle before making the trip. You can use their online store locator to find contact info for the location nearest you.
Step-by-Step Key Replacement Process
So you‘ve determined that your nearby Advance Auto Parts offers key copying services for your vehicle. Here‘s a rundown of what you can expect when you arrive to get a new set made:
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Check in at the key cutting kiosk or retail counter and let them know you need a key replacement. Be sure to have your vehicle‘s make, model, and year handy.
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Present a valid government-issued photo ID along with your vehicle‘s 17-digit VIN number. This helps them verify that you are the rightful owner of the vehicle.
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Hand over your existing key to be duplicated. If you don‘t have the original, they may be able to cut a new key using the key code associated with your VIN.
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For transponder keys and smart fobs, programming is an additional step. The key‘s chip needs to be paired with your vehicle‘s onboard computer system. You‘ll need to give the Advance team member access to your car.
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Once the new key is cut and programmed, be sure to test it out before leaving the store. Verify that it can unlock/lock the doors as well as start the ignition.
According to Mr. Carson, a key specialist at an Advance Auto Parts store in Richmond, VA, the entire process is usually pretty quick for most customers:
"If you‘re getting a basic door key cut, you can be in and out in under 5 minutes. For transponder keys and fobs that require programming, it‘s usually around a 20-30 minute job from start to finish. Of course, it can take a bit longer during busy times or if there are issues with the equipment."
One important thing to note is that Advance Auto Parts locations are not equipped to originate keys if all of yours are lost. They can duplicate keys from an existing copy or use the key code, but if you‘re empty-handed, you‘ll likely need to go to the dealership or call a mobile locksmith.
Key Replacement Cost Comparison
Now for the question that‘s probably top of mind—how much is this going to cost? Advance Auto Parts is known for their competitive prices on car parts and accessories, but how do they stack up when it comes to key services?
The table below compares the average cost of various types of key replacement services at Advance locations versus the dealership and independent locksmiths:
| Key Type | Advance Auto Parts | Dealership | Locksmith |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional (Cut Only) | $2 – $6 | $7 – $25 | $5 – $15 |
| Laser-Cut (Cut Only) | $30 – $80 | $150+ | $50 – $100 |
| Transponder (Cut & Program) | $70 – $200 | $150 – $225 | $75 – $150 |
| Smart Key Fob (Program Only) | $50 – $150 | $200 – $500+ | $50 – $200 |
As you can see, Advance Auto Parts is nearly always cheaper than the dealership, especially when it comes to higher-end laser-cut and smart key fobs. They are roughly on par with locksmiths, although quote ranges can vary widely for both.
It‘s worth noting that many Advance locations regularly run sales and promotions on key cutting services. For example, they recently offered a $20 off discount on transponder keys during the winter holidays. Definitely keep an eye out for coupons before getting keys made.
Besides the lower price, the other main advantage of Advance Auto Parts over the dealership is convenience. There are over 4,000 Advance stores across the United States, so it‘s much easier to find one close by. Most dealerships are located on the outskirts of town and keep limited hours.
The advantage of locksmiths is that some (but not all) offer mobile services and can come to you. However, many won‘t quote an exact price until they arrive to assess the job. Several Advance locations also offer curbside key replacement if you‘re unable to enter the store.
Key Replacement Environmental Impact
An often overlooked aspect of key replacement is the environmental cost. While it may seem like a minor issue, the reality is that the production and disposal of car keys can have negative ecological impacts.
The raw materials used to create the key blades—various metal alloys including brass, nickel, and steel—must be mined from the earth. Mining operations contribute to air/water pollution, deforestation, and ecosystem disruption.
Additionally, most modern car keys contain batteries to power their transponder chips and/or unlock buttons. These are typically lithium or alkaline batteries in the smaller coin cell sizes.
Over 3 billion lithium coin batteries are sold annually. The mining of lithium, as well as the improper disposal of these batteries, can leach harmful chemicals into the environment.
While this certainly shouldn‘t deter you from getting keys replaced when needed, it‘s something to keep in mind. Always recycle your old keys and fobs properly (Advance Auto Parts locations should have a recycling collection) and try to avoid losing keys in the first place.
Tips to Avoid Losing Your Keys
On that note, I want to end with some advice on how to keep better track of your keys and minimize the chances of needing an expensive replacement down the line.
One of the most important things you can do is to always have a spare key made shortly after purchasing a vehicle. Keep this spare in a secure spot at home or with someone you trust. Avoid carrying it with you in the vehicle.
If you‘re prone to misplacing things, consider investing in a small Bluetooth tracker that attaches to your key ring. Popular options include Tile and Apple AirTag. These allow you to locate missing keys using an app on your phone.
Another crucial habit is to never leave your keys in the car unattended, even if you‘re just running into the store for a minute. This is an easy way for them to get lost or stolen.
Lastly, if your key fob stops working suddenly, always check the battery first. This is a common culprit and much cheaper to replace than the entire fob. Refer to your owner‘s manual for the proper battery size/type.
My Personal Lost Key Experience
I‘ll wrap things up with a story from my own life. A few years ago, I was at a crowded music festival and realized I couldn‘t find my keys right as I was about to leave. After frantically searching everywhere, I accepted that they were gone for good.
I had a spare door key at home, but I couldn‘t go anywhere without the transponder key. I called the dealership the next day and they quoted me $250 to cut and program a replacement. As someone on a tight budget, I was devastated.
Thankfully, I remembered passing an Advance Auto Parts on the way to the festival. I called them up and they said they could do it for only $120. I used my spare to drive over and they took care of everything in about half an hour.
Ever since then, I‘ve made a point to get spare keys made for every new vehicle I purchase (I also stopped going to music festivals). You really never know when you might lose them, and it pays to have a backup plan in place!
