What we take care of in Kuna
Keys On Wheels is a mobile locksmith based in Meridian, and Kuna sits straight south of us. We open locked cars and trunks, remove snapped keys from a lock or ignition and cut a replacement, repair ignitions that won't turn, copy chip keys, and make keys when none are left. The work happens in your driveway, a work lot or a parking lot.
From Kuna, a dealer visit usually starts with a tow. Having the key made where the car sits often comes to less than those two combined.
Getting from Meridian to Kuna
Meridian Road is our main line south, running from our side of the valley straight into Downtown Kuna.
School traffic, farm equipment and winter weather all change the drive, so no time is posted here. Give us the street or the nearest crossroad and we'll say when we can be there. The phone is answered 24/7.
Where Kuna calls come from
- Driveways on icy mornings. A key forced into a frozen door lock can twist or snap. Warm the lock gently first; our frozen lock guide shows how.
- Downtown Kuna. Keys left on the seat during an errand. Tell us the block and the color of the car.
- Dirt lots near Kuna Butte. Keys dropped on a hike or a ride. If yours is gone for good, a new one can be made in the lot.
- Ball fields and school lots. Gear comes out of the back, the key gets set down inside, and the hatch closes on it.
- Commuter meet-up spots. One car sits parked all day, and the key is nowhere to be found at the end of it.
Is a child or pet trapped in the car, especially in summer heat or deep cold? Call 911 first, then call us.
Worn key or worn ignition? How to tell
A key used for thousands of commutes wears down at the cuts. Warning signs: it turns only with a jiggle, it sticks in the ignition, or the blade looks bent or cracked near the head. Stop using a cracked key before it breaks off inside.
If the same key opens the door smoothly but fights the ignition, the cylinder may be the worn part, not the key. Your locksmith checks both at the car and explains the price for any repair before starting it.
Why a chip key needs more than cutting
Many cars from the late 1990s on carry a small chip in the key head. A copy cut on a basic machine may turn the ignition, yet the engine won't start or stay running because the car doesn't recognize the chip. A chip key is cut, then programmed to the car on site and tested.
Down to your last key, or none? Read all keys lost for what that job involves, and have a photo ID with the registration or title ready.