Automotive Rekey Service
Complete vehicle re-keying service. Change your car locks for enhanced security and peace of mind.
Call (619) 535-8000Automotive rekeying provides essential security when old keys fall into wrong hands or when you need assurance that only authorized individuals possess keys to your vehicle. This specialized locksmith service changes the internal configuration of your vehicle's lock cylinders so previous keys no longer function while new keys you control work perfectly in all locks.
Understanding the Challenge
Security situations requiring automotive rekeying arise in numerous scenarios throughout San Diego.
Purchasing used vehicles creates the most common need—when you buy a used car, you receive keys from the seller but have no way to know how many copies exist or who possesses them.
Previous owners may have given spare keys to family members, friends, valets, or mechanics who still retain those keys.
While not malicious, this creates security vulnerability where unknown individuals could access your newly purchased vehicle.
Keys stolen with vehicle information represent serious security concerns.
If your keys are stolen along with registration, insurance cards, or other documents containing your address, thieves potentially have both access to your vehicle and knowledge of where you park it.
Our Solution
Auto Key SD's automotive rekeying service delivers comprehensive security enhancement through professional mobile service at your San Diego County location.
When you call (619) 535-8000, we discuss your specific security needs: why you need rekeying, which locks should be rekeyed, and your timeline preferences.
We provide upfront pricing and schedule convenient appointments at your location.
Our mobile service vans carry complete rekeying equipment including precision lock cylinder removal tools for various vehicle makes, comprehensive wafer and pin kits for all major manufacturers' lock systems, specialized rekeying tools for cylinder disassembly and reassembly, key cutting equipment to create new keys, and testing and lubrication supplies.
Response time averages 30-45 minutes with appointments scheduled for 1.5-2.5 hour blocks ensuring adequate time for complete service.
Upon arrival, our technician assesses all locks requiring rekeying.
Technical Expertise
Automotive lock rekeying involves understanding cylinder construction, wafer/pin systems, and manufacturer-specific designs.
Vehicle lock cylinders contain precision mechanical components including the cylinder housing (outer shell fixed to door, trunk, or ignition), rotating plug (inner cylinder that turns when correct key is inserted), wafers or pins (spring-loaded components that must align for plug rotation), springs (providing tension keeping wafers/pins in locked position), and retaining mechanisms (clips, screws, or pins holding assemblies together).
Most domestic vehicles use wafer tumbler locks—flat wafers with cutouts that align with key cuts.
When correct key is inserted, wafers align at shear line allowing plug rotation.
Incorrect keys leave wafers protruding preventing rotation.
Rekeying involves replacing existing wafers with different wafers matching a new key code.
Each wafer position can use wafers of different sizes/depths, and changing this combination changes which key operates the lock.
Asian vehicles similarly use wafer systems though with manufacturer-specific designs.
Why Choose Auto Key SD?
Selecting Auto Key SD for automotive rekeying provides distinct advantages over dealerships and general locksmiths.
Our mobile service eliminates need to leave your vehicle at shops.
We come to your location completing all work on-site.
This convenience saves time and ensures you maintain possession of your vehicle throughout service.
Our specialized automotive locksmith expertise exceeds general locksmiths who primarily work on residential/commercial locks.
We understand vehicle-specific lock designs, have proper removal and reinstallation tools for various makes, and carry comprehensive wafer/pin kits for all manufacturers.
Transparent Pricing
• Automotive rekeying costs depend on several factors.
• Number of locks being rekeyed is primary determinant.
• Single lock rekeying (perhaps only ignition) costs $80-120.
• Two locks (common pairing like both front doors or ignition and driver door) run $140-180.
• Complete vehicle rekeying including all locks (typically 4-6 locks: driver door, passenger door, trunk, ignition, glove box) ranges $250-400 for most vehicles.
• Vehicle make and model affects pricing.
• Domestic and Asian vehicles with standard wafer systems fall in standard ranges.
• European vehicles with pin tumbler systems or complex steering column designs may add $50-100 due to additional complexity.
Service Area Coverage
Auto Key SD provides automotive rekeying services throughout San Diego County via mobile service to all communities. Typical appointment scheduling allows 1.5-2.5 hour service windows at your preferred location.
Fast Response Times: We serve all county areas ensuring rekeying security services are accessible regardless of location, from coastal communities to inland valleys to South Bay..
Real-World Examples
Scenario 1
Issue: Bought used Honda Accord from private seller. Don't know how many spare keys exist or who has them.
Solution: Rekeyed all locks including both doors, trunk, ignition, and glove box. Customer received three new keys. All old keys now obsolete providing complete security. Service at customer's home in El Cajon, 2 hours, $320.
Scenario 2
Issue: Keys stolen from gym locker with registration showing my address. Very concerned about vehicle and home security.
Solution: Priority service providing same-day rekeying of all vehicle locks. Stolen keys now useless. Also recommended home lock rekeying (referred to residential locksmith). Vehicle service in Mission Valley, 2.5 hours, $380.
Scenario 3
Issue: After divorce, ex-spouse still has vehicle keys. Need to revoke access for safety reasons.
Solution: Provided discreet professional rekeying of all locks. Ex-spouse's keys no longer function. Maintained customer privacy and sensitivity of situation. Service at customer's workplace in Sorrento Valley, 2 hours, $340.
Scenario 4
Issue: Valet service lost my keys temporarily. They found them but now don't trust they didn't make copies.
Solution: Rekeyed all locks providing peace of mind. Any unauthorized copies made by valet service now won't work. Customer has security assurance. Service in La Jolla, 2 hours, $350.
Scenario 5
Issue: Purchased used car from dealer. Want complete key control without dealer key codes working.
Solution: Rekeyed all locks changing configuration from factory codes. Dealer's master key database now useless for this vehicle. Only customer's new keys work. Service in Chula Vista, 2.5 hours, $360.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does rekeying mean?
Rekeying changes the internal components of your locks so old keys won't work, while new keys will. It's cheaper than replacing locks.
How long does automotive rekeying take?
Rekeying a vehicle typically takes 1-2 hours depending on how many locks need to be rekeyed.
Will my old keys work after rekeying?
No, that's the point! Rekeying makes all old keys obsolete while providing you with new keys that work in all rekeyed locks.
Why would I need automotive rekeying?
Common reasons include keys stolen with vehicle information, buying used vehicles with unknown key copies in circulation, or after lending keys to services you no longer trust. Rekeying provides security without expensive lock replacement.
Can all vehicle locks be rekeyed?
Most traditional mechanical locks (doors, trunk, ignition, glove box) can be rekeyed. Electronic locks and proximity systems typically cannot be rekeyed but can be reprogrammed to delete old keys.
How much does automotive rekeying cost?
Complete vehicle rekeying (all locks) typically costs $200-400 depending on vehicle make and number of locks. This is far less than replacing all lock cylinders which can cost $600-1000+.
Need Automotive Rekey Service Now?
Our mobile team is ready to help anywhere in San Diego County. Call now for fast, professional service.