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Car key advice for Los Angeles drivers

Straight answers on keys, fobs, lockouts, ignitions and rekeying, from the crew that does this work every day across LA.

Key Replacement

Cut a Spare Car Key Now, Not After You Lose Your Only One

Cutting a spare while the original still works is far cheaper and quicker than starting from zero keys. Here is why timing matters.

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Lockouts

Locked Out in Los Angeles? Here's Your Calm, Step-by-Step Plan

Getting shut out of your car is rarely as bad as it feels in the moment. Work through these steps before you do anything drastic.

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Key Replacement

Why One Replacement Car Key Costs More Than Another

Quotes for the same job can vary widely. The make, the key type and the programming involved all move the number.

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Key Replacement

Transponder Key or Plain Key? What That Hidden Chip Means

A transponder key looks like an ordinary metal key, but the chip inside changes what it takes to duplicate one.

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Key Replacement

Locksmith or Dealership for a Car Key? An Honest Comparison

Both routes can get you a working key. They differ on cost, waiting time and whether your car has to be towed anywhere.

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Fob Programming

Fob Gone Dead? Work Through These Checks First

A fob that suddenly stops responding often has a simple cause. Run these checks before assuming you need a replacement.

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Fob Programming

Smart Keys and Push-to-Start: What Every Owner Should Know

If your car starts without a key going into an ignition, you have a proximity smart key. Here is how the system actually works.

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Lockouts

Broke a Key in the Lock or Ignition? Here's the Right Move

That snapping sound is not the end of the story, but what you do in the next few minutes decides how expensive it gets.

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Ignition

Five Clues Your Ignition Cylinder Is Failing

Ignition cylinders rarely die without warning. These five symptoms usually show up well before the car refuses to start.

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Rekey

Just Bought Used? Rekeying Should Be Your First Move

You have no way of knowing how many working keys are still out there for a used car. Rekeying settles the question.

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Tips

How LA's Heat and Sun Wear Down Your Car Keys and Fobs

Los Angeles weather is easy on people and hard on the electronics sitting in a hot car. Fobs feel it first.

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Tips

Inexpensive Ways to Shield Your Car From Key-Based Theft

Theft methods have grown more technical, but the defences that work are still cheap and simple to put in place.

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