how to get spare car keys to Find a spare car key maker (browse around this site) Near Me
The car key may stop working at the most difficult times. If you're putting groceries in the trunk, driving to work or getting ready to take your children to soccer practice, you may find your car keys don't want to turn.
To create a spare car key, an associate selects the correct key blank for your car and uses a machine to precisely trace the original contours of the key. This process takes just some minutes.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, or chip keys, as they are sometimes referred to, are found in many cars today. These are slightly larger than the typical mechanical car key, and include an electronic microchip in the head of the key. The chip sends a low-level signal to the engine control unit (ECU) of your vehicle when it is put into the ignition. The ECU recognizes the unique code sent by the chip and only allows the car to start if that specific signal is received. This eliminates the risk of thieves stealing vehicles using keys stolen because it is impossible for anyone else to successfully use a duplicate key to start your vehicle.
Bring your keys to a locksmith, or to an auto dealership, and ask about it. They will be able to confirm that the key has transponder chips and that it must be programmed for your specific vehicle. They should also be able to show you how it works if you haven't already seen this technology in the action.
It is more expensive to purchase a transponder car key made if you need one in a hurry. The additional cost is worth it if you consider that a transponder can prevent you from having to replace a luxury car or your family's dependable equipment due to theft.
Some locksmiths for automotive will make an extra transponder for you, and they might even do it for no cost. You'll need to provide them the year, make and MODEL of the vehicle so that they can program the correct key. Having this information ready will accelerate the process by being more efficient than if you just bring in a regular car key.
You can save money by having a spare transponder made and placing it in a different location 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 track of the item to ensure that it doesn't get lost in your pocket.
Basic Keys
It's a good idea keep a spare key in a place that is safe, especially if you live in a cold climate. You won't need to call a locksmith, or get your vehicle towed in the event you lose your original key. A spare key will save you money in the long run as the majority of locksmiths charge a high price for basic keys.
If you have a standard-issue key, it should be simple to get a duplicate made at any home improvement store. Most of these stores have self-service kiosks that are very simple to use. They can make auto and standard keys that do not require programming. You may have to pay a bit more for the auto keys but they're still considerably cheaper than going to the dealer.
Another great place to get a spare key is at the local hardware store. It is much cheaper to buy the spare key at the hardware store than at locksmiths. You can find them in almost every city and town. They typically offer different types of keys as well as other services such as locksmith assistance.
Some grocery and retail shops have their own kiosks. Walmart and Menard's for instance both have them in their stores. The procedure is similar to kiosks in home improvement stores, and they also create standard keys as well as auto keys. They can program older VATS and transponder keys which aren't compatible with modern keyfobs.
You can also try locations like AutoZone or Napa. These are huge chains of automobiles with numerous locations across many states. They are able to assist you with the type of key you need. These places are much cheaper than locksmiths and can usually complete the job faster.
If you lose your original key, you can receive a replacement by mail. You can learn more about this service, called minuteKEY. Check with your auto warranty or insurance company to find out if it covers stolen or lost key fobs. These services are not as common as obtaining a spare key from one of the locations mentioned in this article, however it's an option if you want to save cash and don't wish to spend a lot on locksmith services.
Valet Keys
Valet keys are a particular kind of car key that is designed to offer an additional degree of security when you hand over your car key spare to a mechanic or valet. In essence, these keys allow someone to unlock and start the car but they don't grant access to your trunk or glove box, Family Handyman reports. These keys are usually used in luxury vehicles like BMWs and Audis. Some sports cars come with them too.
Some valet keys have features that block out the trunk and center console of the car, as well as preventing the car from driving over a certain distance or at a too high a speed. You can turn these features on on your vehicle's onboard computer prior to handing over the key to a repair or valet shop worker.
This feature is especially useful when your car spare key is equipped with expensive equipment, like golf clubs and laptops. This feature also helps to prevent your vehicle from being taken for an excursion by unsavory people. If you are unsure whether your car was equipped with a valet key, look through the owner's manual or call your dealer to inquire.
Valet keys are a great option to provide an extra security measure when you are giving your vehicle to a professional, but they're not substitutes for having a spare car key. Keep the valet key somewhere secure, such as your purse or wallet until you are ready to use it. If you keep the valet key in your vehicle, it may fall into the wrong hands and cause many problems for you.
Fortunately, the majority of people don't intend to lose their spare keys. It can occur at any time, so it's important to have a plan for the event of a loss. You should also find an expert in the field who can create a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost. It is also advisable to record the year model, make and model of your vehicle as well as the VIN number in case you need to report it missing or stolen.
Keyless Entry Fobs
The modern key fob is more just a tiny remote. It opens the doors of your car, trunk and tailgate. It also starts the engine. Some even have the security alarm. Fobs can provide a great deal of functionality in a very compact size, and they are easier to use for those with physical disabilities that make the process of turning a standard key difficult.
These little remotes function in a variety of ways based on the year and make, as well as the model. For instance, some key fobs require dealer programming or computer software only accessible through a dealer to work with your vehicle. Some key fobs can be programmed through your vehicle's dashboard controls or infotainment systems. This is a lengthy process that requires you to navigate menus and enter security codes.
Whatever type of remote your car uses, a spare is always an ideal option. You can get back on the road quicker when you lose, break or even get your remote stolen. It also helps you avoid any additional costs at a locksmith when you require a new key made or if your key fob battery is in need of replacement.
Fobs are available in a variety of colors, finishes, and shapes to match your style and preferences. Most have the key ring that is molded directly into the enclosure, meaning you can add it to your existing key ring. These are available in various button designs ranging from zero to five. Some come with a snap-together or screw-together design which makes assembling and disassembling them simple. Others come with a keychain clip for easy attachment to your briefcase, purse or other bag.
The key fob is fitted with a transmitter/radio-frequency identification (RFID), chip and antenna. It communicates with an RFID reader device connected to the locking system in your car. When you hit a button on the fob, it transmits an unique coded signal to the reader device. The reader device then adjusts to the frequency of the signal and accepts it if it is in line with what the RFID tag is programmed to accept.