Do You Need to Tow Your Car to Get a New Key?

In most cases, no. A mobile auto locksmith can cut and program a new key right where your car is parked, so you can usually skip towing it anywhere.

Where the towing idea comes from

A lot of people assume a lost or broken car key means a trip to the dealership. The trouble is that if you have no working key, the car often cannot be driven there, which usually means towing it in and then waiting for the key to be ordered and cut. That route can cost more and take longer than people expect.

The good news is that being mobile changes the math. I bring the tools to you, so the car stays where it is.

What I can do at your car

For most vehicles, older cars included, the whole job can happen on site:

• Cut a new key or blade to match your vehicle
• Program a transponder (chip) key so the car will start
• Program a key fob or remote
• Make a spare or duplicate before you lose your only key
• Get you back into a locked car

When it works best

On-site key service covers the large majority of cars, trucks and vans on the road. Because every vehicle is a little different, the best thing you can do is tell me your year, make and model. That lets me confirm I can do your key where you are and give you a price before I head out, instead of you finding out the hard way at a dealership.

How a mobile visit goes

The process is straightforward. Here is roughly how it works:

• You call or email with your year, make and model and where the car is
• I confirm what you need and agree a price up front, with no hidden fees
• I come to you at home, work or the roadside anywhere in Winnipeg and the surrounding area
• As standard procedure I check your vehicle registration and matching photo ID to confirm the vehicle is yours
• I cut and program the key on the spot, and you pay once it works

Skip the tow when you can

For most people, a new key does not have to mean a tow truck, a dealership trip and a day of waiting. A lost car key replacement starts from $200, a spare or duplicate from $160, and a car lockout from $150, depending on your vehicle. Fob, remote and transponder work starts from $160, taxes in.

I cover Winnipeg and the surrounding area, including Selkirk, Lockport, St. Andrews, West St. Paul, Headingley, Stony Mountain, Stonewall, Oakbank and Niverville — outside Winnipeg a travel fee is part of the all-in price I give you before I set out. I work on most makes and models, older cars included, I am open 8 AM to 9 PM seven days a week, and you pay by Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Interac e-Transfer or cash only once the new key works.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to tow my car to get a new key?

Usually not. As a mobile locksmith I can cut and program most keys right where your car is parked, so you can skip the tow and the dealership wait. Tell me your year, make and model to confirm for your vehicle.

Can you program a chip key or fob on site?

Yes, for most vehicles, older cars included I can cut the key and program a transponder chip key or fob at your location. Programming is included in the price, so tell me your year, make and model and I'll confirm the exact number.

What do you check before making a key?

As standard procedure I check your vehicle registration and a matching photo ID to confirm the vehicle is yours and keep everything legitimate. Then I cut and program the key on the spot, and you pay once it works.

Related

• Auction or out-of-province car with no key
• Lost all your car keys? How a locksmith helps
• Locksmith vs dealership for car keys
• How long it takes to make a car key
• Lost car key replacement in Winnipeg
• Spare & duplicate car keys in Winnipeg
• Car lockout service in Winnipeg
• Key fob & remote programming in Winnipeg
• See my up-front pricing
• Lost all your keys? What it costs
• More articles on the Gaucho Keys blog