A Spare Key Is the Best $100 You'll Ever Spend
Here's the math: a spare car key costs $100-$250 most of the time. Losing your only key and needing an emergency replacement (especially after hours or on a weekend) costs $300-$700+, plus the inconvenience of not being able to drive your car until it's resolved. Make a spare. It pays for itself the first time you need it.
Why Duplicate Through a Locksmith Instead of a Hardware Store?
You can get a basic metal key copied at the hardware store for a few bucks. But here's the catch: most car keys made after 1995 have a chip inside the head that has to be paired to your specific car's computer. A hardware store key kiosk can copy the physical blade, but the chip won't be programmed — meaning the key will turn the lock and the ignition, but the engine won't start. The car thinks the key is wrong, and immobilizes the fuel system.
Auburn Lock & Car Keys cuts and programs the duplicate so it actually works to start the car. That's the difference.
What We Can Duplicate
- Basic metal / mechanical keys (older vehicles without chips) — cheapest, fastest
- Transponder keys — metal blade with embedded chip, paired to the car's immobilizer
- Remote head keys / flip keys — key + remote in one unit
- Laser-cut / sidewinder keys — high-security keys cut on a CNC machine
- Smart proximity keys — push-to-start vehicle fobs (some brands)
- Motorcycle, RV, and commercial vehicle keys
Duplication vs. Replacement — What's the Difference?
Duplication means you have a working key, and we're making a copy. Faster, cheaper, simpler programming. Replacement means you don't have a working key (lost, stolen, or never had one), and we have to make a fresh key from scratch using the vehicle's computer. More involved, more expensive. Always cheaper to get a spare made before losing your only key.
Call (253) 796-8550 with your year, make, and model and we'll quote you over the phone.
