Car Key FAQ — Auto Locks 24/7

Question 1

How much does a car key cost?

Accepted Answer

The honest answer is: it depends — and the range is wide. A basic manual key with no electronics can cost very little. A key with a cloneable transponder chip is a step up. A key with an integrated transponder (where the chip is built into the blade itself) costs more again. Keys that are programmed over the vehicle's OBD port are typically quicker and more affordable than those that require bench work. At the more complex end, systems like MLB and MQB48 require physical data extraction from the chip inside the key itself — and in some cases micro-capacitors must be desoldered from the PCB board before the data can be read. That level of work demands specialist equipment, a high degree of skill, and carries real risk. The price reflects that.

The best way to get an accurate quote is to tell us your vehicle's make, model, year, and what's happened — we'll give you a straight answer.

Question 2

Why is my key so expensive compared to a standard key?

Accepted Answer

Modern car keys are sophisticated security devices. Many contain transponder chips that communicate with your vehicle's immobiliser. Some systems require the key data to be read directly from a chip inside the physical key — a process that can involve desoldering micro-capacitors from a circuit board under magnification. The skill level, specialist tools, and time involved in that kind of work is simply not comparable to cutting a basic key blank. You're paying for expertise, not just a piece of metal.

Question 3

Do you offer a free quote?

Accepted Answer

Yes — always. Contact us with your vehicle details and we'll give you a clear, no-obligation price before any work is carried out. Use the quote form on the site or give Rick a call directly.

Question 4

What is a transponder key?

Accepted Answer

A transponder key contains a small electronic chip inside the plastic head. When you insert the key and turn the ignition, the car's immobiliser sends a radio signal to the chip. If the chip responds with the correct code, the engine is allowed to start. Without the right chip response, the car won't start — even if the blade is cut perfectly. Most cars made after the mid-1990s use some form of transponder technology.

Question 5

What is the difference between a cloneable and an integrated transponder?

Accepted Answer

A cloneable transponder chip can have its data copied to a new blank chip using specialist equipment — the original key doesn't need to be present and the car doesn't need to be involved in the process. An integrated transponder is physically fused into the key blade itself, meaning it can't simply be cloned in the same way. These require a different approach, often involving the vehicle's OBD port or bench programming.

Question 6

What does OBD programming mean?

Accepted Answer

OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics — the port usually found under the dashboard. Many modern vehicles allow new keys to be programmed by connecting specialist equipment directly to this port. It's generally a faster and more straightforward process than bench work, though it still requires the right software and authorisation for your specific vehicle.

Question 7

What is bench programming?

Accepted Answer

Some vehicles can't be programmed via OBD — either because the system doesn't support it, or because all keys have been lost and there's nothing to authenticate against. In these cases, the vehicle's ECU or body control module may need to be removed and connected directly to programming equipment on the workbench. It's more involved, takes longer, and requires a deeper level of technical knowledge.

Question 8

What is MLB and why is it more complex?

Accepted Answer

MLB (Modular Longitudinal Platform) is a vehicle architecture used by Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche on their higher-end models. The key programming system on these vehicles is exceptionally secure. To programme a new key, data must be physically extracted from the chip inside the existing key — not read remotely, but extracted directly from the hardware. In many cases, micro-capacitors on the key's PCB board must be desoldered before the chip can be read. This is precision electronics work under magnification, with real risk of damaging the key if not done correctly. It is among the most technically demanding work in the automotive locksmith industry.

Question 9

What is MQB48 / CS?

Accepted Answer

MQB48 refers to a newer generation of VAG (Volkswagen Group) vehicles using 48-bit encrypted key systems. Like MLB, these require data extraction from the physical key chip rather than simple OBD programming. The CS (Crypto Secure) designation covers a range of similarly protected systems. The process involves specialist hardware, chip-level data extraction, and in some cases physical modification of the key PCB — all of which requires significant expertise and the right equipment.

Question 10

Do you come to me, or do I come to you?

Accepted Answer

We're fully mobile — Rick comes to you. Whether you're at home, at work, or stuck at the roadside, we'll come to your location across Central Scotland and the Borders. No need to arrange recovery or get your vehicle to a garage.

Question 11

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover Central Scotland and the Scottish Borders — including Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, Fife, the Scottish Borders, and surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether we cover your location, just give us a call.

Question 12

How long does key programming take?

Accepted Answer

It varies depending on the vehicle and the type of key involved. A straightforward OBD-programmed spare key might take 30–60 minutes on-site. More complex work — bench programming, or data extraction for MLB or MQB48 systems — takes considerably longer and may involve the key being worked on in our workshop. We'll always give you a realistic timeframe upfront.

Question 13

I've lost all my keys — can you still help?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. Losing all keys is more complex because there's nothing to authenticate against, but it's a situation we deal with regularly. Depending on your vehicle, this may require bench programming or data extraction. Get in touch with your vehicle details and we'll advise on the best approach.

Question 14

Are you qualified and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes — fully qualified and insured. Rick has years of hands-on experience across a wide range of vehicles, including prestige and high-security systems that many locksmiths won't touch.

Question 15

Can I see examples of your work?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Rick documents a lot of the work carried out — including some of the more technical jobs — on social media. It's a good way to get a sense of the level of work involved. Follow us on Facebook to see real jobs, real vehicles, and the kind of detail that goes into what we do.

Question 16

Is it safe to have a new key programmed? Could someone else get a copy?

Accepted Answer

Legitimate key programming requires physical access to the vehicle, proof of ownership, and in many cases the original key or direct access to the vehicle's security modules. We take proof of ownership seriously and will not programme keys without it. The security systems on modern vehicles — particularly MLB and MQB48 — are specifically designed to make unauthorised key creation extremely difficult.

Question 17

What proof of ownership do you need?

Accepted Answer

We'll ask to see your V5C (logbook) and photo ID. For company vehicles, a letter of authority may also be required. This protects you as much as it protects us — we won't cut or programme keys for a vehicle without confirming you have the right to that vehicle.

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