While 94% of the time you only regularly use one key for your Ford vehicle, there will always be a day you leave one set locked in the house or in the car. For times like those, it’s important to have a spare key (or two). Most car purchases include two keys, but if you bought a used car and only got one, or have tendency to forget where you put important items, it might be good to stock up now. We at Houston Ford are happy to help you get keys before you need them. Here’s a little bit about how to get new keys for your Ford vehicle.

Making a key that only opens the doors (for those times when the key fob stays in the car while you are outside) is fairly straightforward. A basic key can be duplicated most places that copy keys. Be careful to check that your new key won’t activate any alarms on your Ford. Unfortunately, unless your vehicle has been alive for 20-plus years, odds are good that a basic copy will not turn on the ignition.

Some automobile locksmiths may have the equipment to program your key and the key fobs that go with them, but the best bet is always to go to your local dealership. Only certified Ford dealerships are guaranteed to have access to the codes that fully activate the microchip and allow a key to work in the ignition. Remember that these safety measures, especially on new cars, make it harder for anyone else to get access to your vehicle. It’s smart to get a spare key before you need one to save on future towing or even lock-replacement costs. Contact us for more information on availability and pricing, and check out our service options for your other Ford needs.