How To Choose Between An Auto Locksmith Or A Dealership When You Lose Your Keys

When you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of losing your car keys, you have two main options to consider: contacting an auto locksmith or going to the dealership. Both choices have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best decision will depend on your specific circumstances. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when making this choice.

What Are The Costs Involved?

One of the primary factors to consider is the cost. Auto locksmiths generally offer more affordable services compared to dealerships. Dealerships often charge higher labour rates and may require the replacement of the entire key fob, which can be significantly more expensive. An auto locksmith, on the other hand, can typically create a new key on-site at a lower cost.

The cost of key replacement can vary widely depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the type of key system it uses. Newer vehicles with more advanced key technology, such as transponder keys or smart keys, tend to be more expensive to replace. Dealerships often use specialised equipment and key blanks that can drive up the cost.

In contrast, auto locksmiths are typically able to provide a more cost-effective solution. They may have a wider range of key blanks in stock and the ability to program them on-site, which can save you money compared to the dealership’s replacement fees. Additionally, many auto locksmiths offer mobile services, which can eliminate the need for towing or transportation costs.

How Quickly Can The Issue Be Resolved?

Time is of the essence when you’re locked out of your vehicle. Dealerships may have a longer turnaround time, as they often need to order the necessary parts and schedule an appointment. Auto locksmiths, however, can often provide a faster solution, as they carry a wide range of key-making equipment and can often create a new key on the spot.

When you’re stranded and in need of a quick solution, an auto locksmith can be the better choice. They are typically more agile and can respond to your location quickly, often within an hour or less. Dealerships, on the other hand, may require you to schedule an appointment and wait for availability, which can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you need to get back on the road as soon as possible.

Do You Need Additional Services?

In some cases, you may require additional services beyond just key replacement. 

Auto locksmiths, for example, are equipped to handle additional tasks like unlocking your vehicle or extracting a broken key.

Dealerships being part of a larger automotive service centre, means they can often provide a one-stop-shop for your key-related issues. They may be able to handle tasks like reprogramming your key fob, updating your vehicle’s computer system, or even providing a temporary replacement key while a new one is being made. Though, you have to get there first.

Auto locksmiths come to you and are highly skilled, they can often provide a more specialised and focused service, such as extracting a broken key or unlocking your vehicle without causing any damage.

Depending on your specific needs, the additional services offered by the dealership or the specialised expertise of the auto locksmith may be the deciding factor in your choice.

What Is The Convenience Factor?

Dealerships are often located within larger automotive service centres, which can be more inconvenient to access, especially if you’re already stranded. Auto locksmiths, however, are typically more mobile and can come directly to your location, providing a more convenient solution.

When you’re locked out of your vehicle, the last thing you want to do is have to transport yourself to a dealership, which may be located across town or in an inconvenient area. This can be especially challenging if you don’t have access to another mode of transportation.

Auto locksmiths, on the other hand, often offer mobile services, where they can come directly to your location and provide the key replacement or unlocking service on-site. This can save you the hassle of having to arrange for transportation or towing, and get you back on the road more quickly.

Additionally, auto locksmiths may have a wider geographic coverage, with multiple technicians stationed in different areas, making it easier to find one that can respond to your location in a timely manner.

Ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific circumstances, the type of key your vehicle requires, and your personal preferences. Both auto locksmiths and dealerships can provide effective solutions, so it’s a matter of finding the option that best meets your needs and provides the most value.

Is There An Auto Locksmith Near Me?

For more than 50 years, A.Abbott Locksmiths has been providing professional Locksmith Services and premium Locksmith Products for Residential, Commercial and Industrial applications Sydney wide.

If you are located in Sydney, including major areas such as: Western Sydney; the North Shore; the Inner West; South Sydney; the Eastern Suburbs; the Hills District; St George; the Northern Beaches; Sutherland Shire and the Central Coast; our capable Locksmiths are available to assist you.

Contact A.Abbott Locksmiths Today For All Your Auto Locksmith Needs!

At A.Abbott Locksmiths, we are Emergency Locksmiths in Sydney. We have been providing Locksmith Services to residents and businesses in Sydney for decades. We provide a 24-hour Emergency Locksmith Service, to ensure we can help you in your time of need, and you only need to read our rave client reviews to give you peace of mind.

Whether you’d like to know “how much a locksmith charges for a replacement key” or “how much an emergency locksmith charges”, don’t hesitate to call our team for an honest and transparent conversation. For more information on why you should choose A.Abbott Locksmiths for any of your Locksmith Requirements, please contact our friendly team on 1300 655 787 anytime, day or night to keep you secure. 

Reach out to an experienced mobile auto locksmith in Sydney today and access a wide variety of services tailored to meet your specific needs, ensuring prompt relief.