Learning how to locksmith your own car is a useful skill to have if you ever get locked out of it. The cost of a replacement key can be triple the price of a duplicate, so having a second set of keys is a wise idea. Luckily, there are a number of DIY solutions for making your own car keys. Here are a few:

You can make a new key for about $10, or spend a couple hundred dollars if you want to do more complicated rekeying. On the higher end, ignition switches can cost up to $250, including installation and parts. However, learning how to locksmith auto keys doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s what you need to know. To get started, download an online guide from the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).

To unlock a car without a key, an auto locksmith will use a variety of strategies, depending on the type of lock on the car. One method involves sliding a thin metal between the weather stripping and window. Some locksmiths can use a laser to cut the key in an instant. Others use a “jimmy” technique, which involves sliding a piece of metal between the window and the weather stripping of the car.

A locksmith can also program a car key by interface with the car’s computer through the OBD port. Typically, this is located under the steering column. Commercial software is available to program the new key and remove the old one. This is particularly useful when a car key has been lost and cannot be found. A locksmith can use commercially available software to reprogram a lost or stolen key. It’s also worth considering if you need a spare set of keys.

The tools an auto locksmith uses to unlock a car include specialized tools used for codesmithing, which is a form of key programming. With these tools, an auto locksmith can help a motorist who has locked themselves out of a car or locked it out at an unsafe location. They also offer specialized services, such as replacing an ignition. These services may be required by local car dealerships or code brokers. This field of expertise requires a solid education and certification program.

Transponder keys are common for vehicles, but are also used for car remotes and security gates. A transponder key contains a chip that allows a vehicle to open and shut, and is generally cheaper than a replacement from a dealership. If you lose your transponder key, the best solution is to get a duplicate made. An auto locksmith can program a transponder key for a fraction of the cost of a replacement key.