How to Find a Spare Car Key Maker Near Me
The car key may not function at the worst possible moment. You might find that your car key isn't turning when you're loading groceries into the trunk, driving to work, or getting ready to drive your children to soccer.
To make a spare vehicle key, a partner chooses the right key blank for your car and then makes use of a machine that can precisely trace the original contours of the key. The process takes only several minutes.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, or chip keys, as they are sometimes called can be found in a wide variety of cars today. They are a little larger than your typical mechanical car key, and include an electronic micro-chip embedded in the head of the key. When the chip is placed in the ignition, it transmits a low-level signal to the ECU (engine control unit) of your car. The ECU recognizes the unique code that is sent by the chip and will allow the car to start when that signal is received. This system prevents the possibility of thieves stealing vehicles using stolen keys since it is impossible for anyone else to successfully use a duplicate key to start your vehicle.
Bring your key to a locksmith or an auto dealer and ask questions about it. They will be able to confirm that the key has transponder chips and that it must be programmed for your particular vehicle. They will also be able to demonstrate how it works if you've not yet seen this technology in action.
If you're in a pinch and require a spare transponder key it will cost more than a regular car key. The additional cost is worth it when you take into consideration that a transponder could prevent you from having to replace a luxury car or your family's trusty equipment due to theft.
Most automotive locksmiths can make an extra transponder for you, and some even offer it as a no-cost service to their customers. You'll be required to give them the year, model, and MODEL of your vehicle to enable them to program the key correctly. This information will make the process easier and will be significantly faster than if you just bring in a regular car key.
You can save some of the costs by having a spare transponder key made before you need one, and putting it in a different area than your car or home. It is recommended to keep it in an easily accessible place, such as your kitchen counter or a glove box. This will allow you to keep the item in mind to ensure that it doesn't become lost in your purse.
Basic Keys
Keep a spare car key in a safe place in case your climate is cold. A spare key will prevent you from having to contact a locksmith or have your car towed when you lose the original. A spare key can save you money over time as most locksmiths charge a lot for the simplest keys.
You can easily obtain a duplicate key from any home improvement store if have a standard one. The majority of these stores have self-service kiosks that are simple to use. They can create auto and standard keys that do not require programming. You may have to pay a little more for auto keys, but they're still cheaper than buying from dealers.
Another excellent place to find spare keys is your local hardware store. It is generally less expensive than hiring locksmiths and you'll find one in every town or city. They typically offer a broad range of key types and also additional services such as lockout assistance.
Some grocery and retail stores have their own kiosks, too. Walmart and Menard's, for example both have them in their stores. The process is similar to kiosks at home improvement stores and they can make standard and auto keys. They can also program older VATS and Transponder keys that aren't compatible with modern key fobs.
You can also go to places like AutoZone and Napa. These are huge chains of automobiles with multiple locations across a variety of states. They can usually help you with any kind of key you need. They are less expensive than locksmiths and can complete the job faster.
There is a brand new service that will send you a spare key by mail if you lost the original. Find out more about this service called minuteKEY. Make sure to check with your auto warranty or insurance company to determine if it covers lost or stolen key fobs. These services aren't as widespread as getting an extra key from the locations mentioned in this article, but they're a good option if you want to save money and don't have to employ a locksmith.
Valet Keys
Valet keys are a form of spare car keys that provide an additional level of security for the time you hand over your vehicle to a mechanic, or valet. In essence, these keys allow you to open the car and start it but won't give them access to your trunk or glove box, Family Handyman reports. They are usually used in high-end vehicles like BMWs and Audis. Some sports cars come with them.
Certain keys for valet come with features that block the trunk and the center console of the car, as well as stopping the car from driving over a certain distance or at a too high a speed. You can activate these features by using the computer in your car before giving the key to a valet.
This feature is particularly useful for those who have expensive equipment in the trunk of your car, such as laptops or golf clubs. It also helps to keep your car from being taken for a joy ride by unsavory people. If you're not sure if your car came with a valet key, go through the owner's manual or call your dealer to find out.
Valet keys are a great option to add an additional layer of security when giving your car to a professional however, they aren't substitutes for having a spare car key. Keep the valet key somewhere safe, like your purse or wallet, until you are ready to use it. If you leave your valet key in your car, you could be in serious trouble if it falls into the wrong hands.
Fortunately, the majority of people don't lose their car keys that they have in the first place. But, it could occur at any time and you should have a plan in case this occurs. This includes ensuring that you have an extra key maker near me who can provide you with a new key fast and cost-effectively. It is also important to note down the year the model, year and make of your vehicle as well as the VIN number in case you need to report it stolen or missing.
Keyless Entry Fobs
The modern key fob is more than just a small remote. It opens the doors of your car as well as the tailgate and trunk. It also powers up the engine. Some have an alarm for security, too. Fobs offer a lot of functions in a compact package, and they are easier to use for those with physical disabilities that make turning a regular key difficult.
The way that these little remotes operate varies, based on the year, model and model of your car. Certain key fobs require dealer programming or special computer software that can only be obtained at a dealer to work with your vehicle. Some key fobs can be programmed using your vehicle's dashboard controls or infotainment systems. This is a lengthy process that requires you to navigate menus and enter security codes.
Regardless of which type of remote your car uses, a spare is always a good idea. You'll be back on the roads faster in the event that you lose, damage, or take yours. You can also avoid additional charges from a locksmith if you need a new key made or your key fob battery needs to be replaced.
Fobs come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and finishes to match your personal style and taste. Most feature an integral key ring that is built into the enclosure, meaning you can attach it to your existing key ring. They also come in a variety of button configurations, from zero to five. Some come with a snap-together or screw-together design which makes the process of assembling and disassembling them easy. Others come with a keychain clip that can be easily attached to your briefcase, purse or any other bag.
A key fob contains an RFID transmitter (RFID) chip and an antenna that communicates with the reader device that is connected to the locking system of your car. When you press the button on the key fob the signal is sent to the reader device. The reader device alters the frequency of the signal to be in line with the RFID tag's programed frequency.