Losing your car keys can be a major inconvenience, leaving you stranded and facing a potentially costly trip to the dealership for a replacement. But did you know that O‘Reilly Auto Parts, one of the largest retailers of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories in the US, offers key cutting services at most of its 5000+ locations?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore O‘Reilly‘s key making services in depth, including:
- What types of car keys O‘Reilly can duplicate or replace
- How much it costs to get keys made at O‘Reilly
- How the key cutting process works
- Comparison of O‘Reilly to other retailers and locksmiths
- Tips for saving money and extending the life of your car keys
By the end, you‘ll have a clear understanding of whether O‘Reilly is the right choice for your key replacement needs and how their services stack up to other options on the market.
Can O‘Reilly Make a Replacement Key for My Car?
The short answer is yes, O‘Reilly Auto Parts can make replacement keys for the vast majority of vehicles on the road today. According to O‘Reilly, they have key blanks and the equipment necessary to cut and program keys for about 97% of cars and trucks.
This includes most makes and models of domestic and foreign vehicles, from older models that use traditional brass keys to newer vehicles equipped with more advanced laser cut keys or smart keys with built-in transponder chips.
Some of the most popular vehicle makes that O‘Reilly carries key blanks for include:
- Ford
- Chevrolet
- Toyota
- Honda
- Nissan
- Jeep
- Hyundai
- BMW
- Mercedes-Benz
Of course, with so many different types of keys and security systems on the market, it‘s always a good idea to call your local O‘Reilly store in advance to confirm they have the specific blank and equipment needed for your vehicle.
Types of Car Keys O‘Reilly Can Make
Vehicle keys have come a long way from the simple brass keys of the past. Today, there are several common types of car keys, each with different features and security functions. Understanding the type of key your vehicle uses is important when seeking a replacement. Here‘s an overview of the key types O‘Reilly can duplicate or replace:
Traditional Brass Keys
Brass keys are the most basic type of car key and are still used in some older model vehicles. These keys are simple to cut and do not contain any electronic components. O‘Reilly can easily cut brass keys by code or by tracing an existing key.
Sidewinder or Laser Cut Keys
Many newer vehicles use keys with unique cuts on the shank at a 90 degree angle, making them harder to duplicate. These are known as sidewinder or laser cut keys. O‘Reilly has the special machines needed to accurately cut these more complex keys. However, laser cut keys typically can‘t be traced from an existing key and require the key code to cut a new one.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, also known as chip keys, contain a small RFID chip that must be programmed to match your vehicle‘s onboard computer. Without the correct chip, the vehicle will not start, even with a perfectly cut key.
Most vehicles made after 1995 use some form of transponder key. O‘Reilly can program new transponder keys, but the process is more involved than cutting a basic key. You will need to provide proof of ownership, as the programming process will erase any previously programmed keys.
According to O‘Reilly, the most common transponder keys they sell and program are for Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, and Chrysler vehicles.
Smart Keys
Some high-end modern vehicles use a "smart key" system where the key fob is automatically detected by the car, allowing the driver to start the engine with the push of a button.
While O‘Reilly can sell and program replacement smart keys for some makes and models, these keys are more complex and expensive than standard transponder keys. It‘s best to contact your local store to see if they have the equipment and expertise to work with your specific smart key system.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Keys Made at O‘Reilly?
The cost of getting a car key made at O‘Reilly varies significantly depending on the type of key and the make and model of your vehicle. Here are some general price ranges for common key types:
| Key Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Traditional Brass Key | $2 – $6 |
| Sidewinder/Laser Cut Key | $30 – $75 |
| Transponder Key | $50 – $200 |
| Smart Key | $200 – $500 |
As you can see, the price goes up significantly for keys with electronic components like transponder chips and smart key systems. However, it‘s important to remember that these prices are still typically much lower than what you would pay at a dealership.
To give some perspective, here are some average costs of replacement keys from dealerships for popular vehicle makes:
| Vehicle Make | Dealership Key Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Ford | $150 – $350 |
| Chevrolet | $200 – $400 |
| Toyota | $250 – $450 |
| Honda | $300 – $500 |
In addition to the cost of the key itself, dealerships often charge high labor rates for key programming, which can add hundreds of dollars to the total price. By comparison, O‘Reilly charges a flat programming fee of around $50 – $100, regardless of the vehicle make.
So while getting a key made at O‘Reilly may not be cheap, it is almost always substantially less expensive than going to the dealership. For many consumers, the potential savings are well worth the trip to their local O‘Reilly store.
How the Key Cutting Process Works at O‘Reilly
So what actually happens when you go to O‘Reilly to get a key made? Here‘s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
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Checking key blank availability: The first step is to determine if O‘Reilly has the correct key blank for your vehicle. An associate will ask for your vehicle‘s year, make, and model, then check their inventory system or reference books to identify the appropriate blank. If they don‘t have it in stock, they can usually order it and have it delivered within a few days.
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Cutting the new key: Once the correct blank has been identified, the associate will use a key cutting machine to cut the new key. For standard brass keys, this is done by tracing your existing key or by entering the key code into the machine.
Sidewinder and laser cut keys use a different process, as they can‘t be traced from an existing key. The associate will need to look up the key code for your vehicle, then enter it into a special laser cutting machine that precisely cuts the unique angled grooves.
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Programming transponder keys: If your vehicle uses a transponder key, cutting the key is only the first step. The key will also need to be programmed to match your vehicle‘s computer system.
To do this, the associate will connect a diagnostic device to your vehicle‘s OBD II port, which allows them to sync the new key. You will need to provide the associate with your vehicle and proof of ownership, as programming a new key will erase any previously programmed keys.
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Testing the new key: Before finishing the process, the associate will test the new key to ensure it works properly in your ignition and doors. If there are any issues, they can make adjustments or start over with a new key blank if needed.
The entire process usually takes around 10-15 minutes for standard keys, while transponder keys may take 20-30 minutes to cut and program. Smart key programming can take up to an hour, as the process is more complex.
Comparing O‘Reilly‘s Key Services to Other Retailers
O‘Reilly is far from the only retailer that offers key duplication services. Many other auto parts stores, hardware stores, and even some grocery and drug stores have key cutting machines. However, the services and prices can vary significantly. Here‘s how O‘Reilly stacks up to some other major retailers:
Walmart
Walmart is well-known for their MinuteKey kiosks, which allow customers to self-serve and make their own keys. These kiosks can cut brass keys, but they do not work with transponder keys or sidewinder keys.
Prices at Walmart are very competitive, with brass keys starting at just $2. However, the selection of key blanks is limited, and there is no assistance from associates if you run into issues.
Home Depot & Lowe‘s
Home Depot and Lowe‘s both offer key cutting services at most of their locations, with a focus on house keys, padlock keys, and basic brass car keys. Prices are comparable to O‘Reilly, with brass keys typically costing $2 – $5.
However, these retailers typically do not have the equipment or expertise to cut and program transponder keys or laser cut keys for vehicles. They also have a more limited selection of car key blanks than a dedicated auto parts store like O‘Reilly.
AutoZone & NAPA
Other major auto parts retailers like AutoZone and NAPA offer very similar key cutting services to O‘Reilly. Prices and selection are generally comparable across these stores, so it may come down to which one has a more convenient location for you.
One potential advantage of AutoZone is their Loan-A-Tool program, where you can borrow specialty tools like the equipment needed to program a transponder key for free. However, you will still need to pay for the key blank itself.
Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware stores are hit-and-miss when it comes to car key services. Some larger locations have the equipment to cut sidewinder keys and program transponders, while others can only do basic brass keys.
It‘s best to call ahead to your local Ace to see what services they offer and compare prices to O‘Reilly. In general, expect to pay slightly higher prices at Ace compared to a high-volume retailer like O‘Reilly.
The bottom line is that while you have several choices for where to get car keys made, O‘Reilly offers the most comprehensive services and some of the most competitive prices, especially compared to dealerships. Their wide selection of key blanks and expert staff also give them an edge over more generalist retailers like Walmart or hardware stores.
FAQ About Car Key Replacement
To wrap up, let‘s address some common questions consumers have about getting replacement car keys made at retailers like O‘Reilly:
Q: Can I get a key made at O‘Reilly without my original key?
A: In most cases, yes. O‘Reilly can cut keys by code, so as long as you have your vehicle‘s make, model, and VIN number, they can look up the code and cut a new key without needing to trace your original. However, some newer high-security keys may require your original key to duplicate.
Q: How long does it take to get a key made at O‘Reilly?
A: For most standard brass keys, O‘Reilly can cut you a new key in just a few minutes while you wait in-store. Transponder keys take a bit longer to program, usually 20-30 minutes. More complex smart key systems can take up to an hour.
Q: Can O‘Reilly reprogram a key fob?
A: Yes, O‘Reilly can reprogram most types of key fobs and transponder keys. The process involves connecting a diagnostic device to your car‘s computer system, so you will need to have your car present at the store. Expect to pay a programming fee of $50 – $100 in addition to the cost of the fob.
Q: Are aftermarket keys from O‘Reilly as good as original keys from the dealer?
A: In most cases, yes. The key blanks O‘Reilly uses are high-quality and the machines used to cut and program them are just as precise as what the dealerships use. Functionally, there should be no difference between a key from O‘Reilly and a more expensive key from the dealer.
Q: Why are keys so expensive to replace now?
A: The rising cost of replacing car keys is due to the increased complexity of key technology. Whereas older keys were little more than a piece of stamped brass, modern keys contain tiny computer chips that must be programmed. The equipment needed to cut and program these keys is far more expensive than traditional key cutting machines, which unfortunately raises the cost for consumers.
Q: Does O‘Reilly sell key accessories?
A: Yes, in addition to key blanks and cutting services, O‘Reilly also sells a variety of key accessories. This includes key tags, lanyards, key covers, and novelty key chains. They also carry replacement batteries for key fobs.
Q: Can I order a key from O‘Reilly online?
A: O‘Reilly does sell some key blanks and fobs online, but most of their key duplication services are done in-store. You can order a blank key or fob for in-store pickup at your local O‘Reilly, but you will need to go to the store to have it cut and/or programmed.
Hopefully this guide has provided you with all the information you need to understand your options for replacing a car key at O‘Reilly Auto Parts. While the cost of keys has gone up significantly in recent years, retailers like O‘Reilly make it much more affordable and convenient compared to going to the dealership.
If you find yourself in need of a spare key or replacement fob, head to your local O‘Reilly store with confidence, knowing they have the expertise and equipment to get you back on the road quickly.
