How to Make a Key for Vehicles

If you've lost the keys to your Vehicles or need to make a spare set, it's not just a question of a quick trip to the local key maker or locksmith. The days when a key to a car was simply a cut piece of metal are long gone. Modern car keys contain microchips that work in tandem with the car's on-board computer and cannot easily be replaced by the layman. But fear not; once you know what to do it won't take you long to get hold of a new key.

Under The Hood:

• How to Make a Key for a Chevrolet Truck
• How to Make a Key for a Buick
• How to Make a Key by Vin Number
• How to Make a Key for a Cadillac

 How to Make a Key for a Chevrolet Truck

Take the original truck key and go to your nearby drugstore or grocery store. Both of them should have a key kiosk.

Match the subject key to the correct template key that will be getting cut. There are many types of sizes of keys, so before you can actually cut the new one, you will have to find the right shape/size.

Hand the two keys (original and blank) to the store associate. He will then trace the original with the key-cutting machine as the blank key gets shaved down.

Take your new key and brush it off with the steel brush. This gets all the shards of metal off and prevents any kind of sliver or cut.

Insert the new key into the keyholes on the outside doors of your vehicle as well as your engine. Test it out to make sure that it is a good fit.

 How to Make a Key for a Buick

Find your Buick's vehicle identification number (VIN). This is most likely situated on the dash board of your car under the right hand side of the windscreen. It might also be on the inside panel of the door on the driver's side of the car or on the vehicle information plate under the hood.

Visit the Buick website, click on "Locate a dealer" and enter your zip code. You'll be presented with the contact details of your nearest dealership.

Contact the dealer and ask where and when you can have a new key made for your Buick. You shouldn't have to wait too long for an appointment. You'll need to attend in person, as the dealership needs to establish beyond a doubt that the car is yours. You can't order online.

Attend the dealership on the day of your appointment and present your driver's license and VIN. Your key should be ready within half an hour.

 How to Make a Key by Vin Number

Locate the VIN and note it. An auto's VIN is usually stamped on a metal plate near the driver's side of the dashboard. The VIN can also be found inside the engine compartment, stamped on the engine or on a metal tag attached to the engine.

Take the VIN along with personal photo identification and proof of ownership to a dealer for that particular model of vehicle.

Present your proof of ownership to the dealer. A registration or title in your name, indicating the VIN, is the best proof of ownership.

Wait while the dealer contacts the manufacturer and has a duplicate key made. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

 How to Make a Key for a Cadillac

Gather vehicle registration, a photo ID and the VIN number to the car.

Locate the nearest Cadillac dealer and contact the parts department. A link to search for dealer locations is provided below.

Inquire about the cost for having a replacement key made. If the key needed has a programmable chip, ask what is necessary to have the new key programmed. Some parts departments have different rates. Call several dealers if cost is of significant importance.