How to Find a Spare Car Key Maker Near Me
A car key can stop functioning at the worst possible moment. If you're putting groceries in the trunk, driving to work or getting ready to take your kids to soccer practice, you may discover that your car keys don't want to turn.
To create an extra key for your car, a technician will select the correct blank key for your vehicle. Then using a machine they will trace the contours of the key. The process takes only a few moments.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, or chip keys, as they are sometimes called can be found in a wide variety of automobiles today. They are a little larger than the standard mechanical car key, and include an electronic microchip in the head of the key. When the chip is placed in the ignition, it transmits an unintentional signal to the ECU (engine control unit) of your car. The ECU recognizes a unique code transmitted by a chip and will only allow the car to start when that signal is received. This system eliminates the possibility that cars can be taken away with keys stolen since it is impossible to use a duplicate key to start your car.
The best way to determine whether your key spare is equipped with a transponder chip is to take it to a locksmith shop or auto dealership and ask about it. They should be able to confirm that the key actually does have a chip and that it must be programmed to fit your car. They should also be able demonstrate how it works if you've not yet seen this technology in motion.
If you're in a tight spot and need a spare transponder key made, it will cost more than a standard car key. The extra cost of spare car key is worth it if you think about how a transponder key can prevent you from having to replace a luxury vehicle or your family's trusty rig because of theft.
Some automotive locksmiths will make you a spare transponder and some will even make it for free. You'll have to provide them with the YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL of your vehicle so they can program the key properly. Knowing this information will speed up the process, as it will be more efficient than if you simply bring in a standard car key.
You can save some of the cost by having a spare transponder keys before you need one, and putting it in a different location than your home or vehicle. It is best to keep it in a easily accessible location like your kitchen counter or glove box. This will help you keep track of the item so that it doesn't become lost in your purse.
Basic Keys
It's a good idea keep a spare key somewhere secure, particularly if you reside in a cold climate. You won't have to call a locksmith or have your vehicle towed, in the event that you lose your original key. The possession of a spare key could also save you money in the long run as the majority of locksmiths charge an arm and a leg for basic keys.
You can easily obtain a duplicate key made in any home improvement store, if you already have a standard one. Self-service kiosks are available in a majority of these stores. They can make auto and standard keys that don't require any programming. You may have to pay a bit more for the auto keys but they're still cheaper than visiting the dealer.
Another excellent place to find spare keys is your local hardware store. This is usually a lot cheaper than hiring a locksmith and you can find one in every town or city. They usually offer a wide range of key types, as well as additional services like help with locking out.
Some grocery and retail stores have their own kiosks too. Walmart and Menard's for instance, both have them in their stores. The process is similar to home improvement store kiosks and they can create auto and standard keys. They can program older VATS and transponder keys that aren't compatible with modern keyfobs.
You can also try locations like AutoZone or Napa. These are huge chains of automobiles with a large number of locations across the United States and are able to assist you with any kind of key you need. These chains are a lot less expensive than locksmiths and often can complete the job faster.
If you have lost the original key, you can now get a spare car key made a replacement through mail. This is called minuteKEY. You can read more about it here. Check with your insurance or auto warranty company to determine if it covers stolen or lost key fobs. These aren't as popular as obtaining an extra key from the places mentioned in this article, but they're an option if you want to save money and don't have to hire locksmiths.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a kind of spare keys for cars that offer an additional layer of security the time you hand over your car to a mechanic or valet. In essence, these keys let you unlock and start the car but don't allow access to your trunk or glove box, Family Handyman reports. They are typically found in luxury cars such as BMWs and Audis. Some sports cars come with them.
In addition to blocking the trunk and center console as well, some valet keys include features that will stop the car from being driven too fast or for an aforementioned distance. You can activate these features in your car's onboard computer before handing over the key to a valet or repair shop worker.
This feature is particularly useful for those who have expensive equipment in the trunk of your car, like golf clubs or a laptop. It also helps to keep your car from being taken for a joy ride by unsavory people. If you're not sure whether your car is equipped with a valet, check the owner's manual or ask your dealer.
Valet keys are a great option to add an additional layer of security when giving your car to a professional but they are not a replacement for having an extra 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 vehicle, you could end up in serious trouble if it gets into the wrong hands.
Fortunately, a majority of people do not lose their spare car keys on purpose. However, it can occur at any time so it is important to have a plan in place in case this occurs. You should also find an expert in the field who can make you a new key quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. You should also write down the year, year of manufacture and model of your car as well as its VIN number in the event that you ever need to report a missing or stolen car.
Keyless Entry Fobs
The modern key fob is much more than just a tiny remote. It opens the doors of your car as well as the tailgate, trunk, and trunk and starts the engine. It also includes a panic button and even controls certain accessories, like windows and sliding doors with power. Some have an alarm for security. Fobs can provide a great deal of functionality in a compact size, and they are more suitable for people with physical disabilities that make the turning of a regular key difficult.
The way these tiny remotes operate varies, based on the year, brand, and model of your car. Certain key fobs require dealer programming or computer software that is only accessible through a dealer to work with your vehicle. Other key fobs can be programmed using the infotainment system of your vehicle or the dashboard controls, which is generally a time-consuming process that involves navigating menus and entering security codes.
No matter what kind of remote your car has an extra remote is a good idea. You can get back on the roads faster if you lose, damage, or steal yours. You can also avoid paying a fee at a locksmith if you require a new key or a replacement battery for your key fob.
Fobs are available in different colors, finishes, and shapes to fit your style and preferences. Most come with a key ring integrated inside the enclosure so that you can easily add it to your key ring. They are also available in a variety of button designs, ranging from one to five. Some have a snap-together or screw-together design which makes the process of assembling and disassembling them easy. Others have a key chain clip that is easy to attach to your purse, briefcase or other bag.
A key fob is equipped with an antenna/transmitter/radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and an antenna that connects to the reader device that is connected to the locking system of your car. When you hit a button on the fob, it sends an unique coded signal to the reader device. The reader device adjusts the frequency of the signal to coincide with the RFID tag's programed frequency.