Last Updated on December, 2024
There are few things worse than losing your car keys, especially when you’re in a rush to hit the road. If you’ve been putting off having a spare key made, then now’s the time to take action. On the other hand, maybe it’s too late, and you need a car key replacement ASAP.
Whatever the case, you have two options to choose from: a car dealership or your local locksmith. Most people assume that a car dealership is the best option, but there are many benefits to choosing an auto locksmith service.
This article will explore how they compare across different aspects and help you make an informed decision moving forward.
Curious? Then, let’s dive in!
Quick Summary
- Locksmiths are more affordable and convenient than dealerships. Locksmiths offer a faster, mobile service, making them a better choice for quick repairs or replacements, especially in emergencies.
- Locksmiths generally provide quicker service than dealerships and are often more specialized in key cutting, lock repair, and programming. They also possess the same tools and knowledge as dealerships, often exceeding them in expertise.
- Locksmiths typically offer 24/7 availability, making them more reliable for emergencies. Both locksmiths and dealerships provide warranties, but locksmiths are often seen as offering better upfront service without the bureaucratic delays of dealerships.
Locksmith Vs. Car Dealership: A Comparison
Several factors must be considered when choosing between a dealership and an auto locksmith. Let’s compare how each addresses specific customer concerns.
Affordability
The first question most people ask when comparing dealerships and locksmiths is: which is more affordable?
Most car dealerships are notorious for charging high prices to customers. Their main purpose is to sell vehicles and provide financing. Because of their business model, they consider ignition repairs and key fob replacements as additional services.
This results in hidden fees that drive the price up. Whether you are getting a spare key made or replacing a lost key, you can expect to pay an excessive amount of money at a dealership.
On the other hand, an auto locksmith exists purely to repair locks and replace damaged or lost car keys. They provide a straightforward service at a far more affordable price.
Since price is the biggest pain point for customers getting a new car key, the massive difference in cost gives locksmiths an easy win in this aspect.
Service Speed
After price, the next thing vehicle owners value is speedy service.
It’s important to remember that a dealership is a large operation with many moving parts. The level of bureaucracy makes it difficult to get assistance right away. You could have to wait hours before being directed to the right agent, which can be frustrating in emergencies.
They can also take weeks to deliver replacements, making them a bad option if you urgently require a new key fob.
On the other hand, an auto locksmith offers more personal service, resulting in quicker results. Once the issue is diagnosed, they will take prompt action to fix it. This reduces your wait time at the shop and lets you get back to the rest of your day.
Convenience
Along with helping you save money, locksmiths are also the more convenient choice.
If you find yourself on the side of the road with a broken car key or a jammed ignition lock, the last thing you should do is call your car dealer. They will ask you to tow your vehicle to the dealership in order to get a replacement key, and that phone call will further sour your mood.
Most locksmiths provide a mobile service that can assist you in this situation. Instead of making you travel to the shop, a mobile locksmith will come to your location and fix the problem.
They will restore access in case you get locked out of your car and can even cut you a replacement key on the spot.
Equipment and Expertise
A common misconception about car locksmiths is that they are less capable than big dealerships. In actuality, an automotive locksmith is just as skilled at fixing issues as your local car dealership. In some cases, they may even exceed their counterparts.
As mentioned before, a dealership’s main purpose is to sell cars, which means they consider key cutting and ignition repairs as additional services. This doesn’t mean that car dealers lack the right tools or do subpar work, but it does limit their quality of service.
On the other hand, a car locksmith is a full-time practitioner. They have more experience and expertise when it comes to car key replacement and ignition repair.
Most people think locksmiths lag behind when it comes to equipment, but this is another misconception. Not only do they possess the same specialised tools as your dealer, but they are often more knowledgeable about how to use them.
Locksmiths are also more aware of new technology. They are quick to adopt tools that make their job faster or more efficient, as doing so helps them satisfy customers and keep up with the competition.
Availability
You never know when you might lose your car keys or get locked out of your vehicle.
Car dealerships are unreliable in this regard, as they only operate within standard business hours, and are not available outside of them. Their objective is based on sales, which means they will only cater to potential buyers.
Most automotive locksmith services, on the other hand, prioritise car owners. As such, providing 24/7 service is a crucial part of their business model.
Whether you require new car keys or need to unlock your ignition, a mobile locksmith can provide on-location assistance, regardless of the time of day.
The convenience of full-time availability gives them another point over traditional dealerships.
Warranties
One big argument for choosing dealerships over locksmiths is that dealerships provide warranties, making them more trustworthy.
However, some people are surprised to discover that mobile locksmiths also offer warranties to their clients.
Since they both provide guarantees, it’s hard to call one more trustworthy than the other. However, locksmiths are known to do better upfront work.
Due to their bureaucratic structure, imposing your warranty can also be more difficult with a dealership.
Relevant contents:
Locksmith Vs. Car Dealership: Who Can Help You Best in Different Scenarios?
There are many reasons why you might seek the help of a professional for your key or lock troubles. Understanding who to consult in different scenarios can help you save time and money. Let’s take a look.
Replacing Car Keys (Creating Spare Keys)
While lost keys require prompt attention, having spare keys made will help prevent similar problems in the future. In both cases, you can have car keys made faster and cheaper by consulting an auto locksmith.
Dealerships are time-consuming and cost more money for the same services.
Lock Repair
Car dealers require you to bring the vehicle to the dealership yourself, which is impossible with damaged locks.
A locksmith will arrive at your location and replace door locks on the spot, speeding up the process.
Older Vehicles
Dealership services can sometimes be limited to newer cars with laser-cut key fobs. If you own an older car and require a new key, they might be unable to assist you.
Most accredited locksmiths have the resources to create different types of key fobs, both old and new. This makes them the better choice for owners of older models.
Programming for Car Keys
Transponder keys are standard for modern cars, and they need to be programmed to function.
Your local locksmith has the knowledge and equipment to program keys in under thirty minutes, and they will do it at an affordable cost.
The process is much slower in a car dealership. Not only will you pay more, but you’ll have to wait longer to get your new key programmed.
Conclusion
Dealerships and locksmith services are two different businesses with unique priorities. As such, it’s essential to choose the one that will best serve your current needs.
As car owners, it’s natural to assume that a dealership will offer superior service. However, it’s time to break free of that notion.
Auto locksmiths not only have the equipment to match the quality of a dealership, but they are also cost-effective, faster, and offer a more convenient customer experience.
