How to Find a Spare Car Key Maker Near Me
A car key could shut down at the most inconvenient possible time. If you're putting groceries in the trunk, preparing to go to work or getting ready to take your kids to soccer practice, you could discover that your car keys don't want to turn.
To make a spare car key, an associate chooses the appropriate key blank for your car and then uses a machine to precisely trace the initial contours of your current key. This process usually takes only about a couple of minutes.
Transponder Keys
Many of the automobiles that are on the roads today have transponder keys, also known as what is sometimes called a chip key. These are slightly larger than the standard mechanical car key and have an electronic micro-chip embedded in the head of the key. When the chip is inserted in the ignition, it sends a low level signal to the ECU (engine control unit) of your car. The ECU recognizes the unique code transmitted by the chip and only allows the car to start when that particular signal is received. This system eliminates the possibility of stealing cars with stolen keys since it is impossible for anyone to use a duplicate key to start your car.
Bring your key to a locksmith or an auto dealer and ask questions about it. They should be able to verify that the key does indeed contain a chip and it must be programmed to fit your car. They should also be able explain how it works if you've not yet seen this technology in motion.
If you're in a bind and need a spare transponder keys made it will cost more than a standard car key. The cost is worth it if you think about how a transponder key can save you from having replace a luxury vehicle or your family's dependable rig because of theft.
Some locksmiths for automotive will make you a spare transponder and some will even make it for free. You will need to give them the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle so that they can programme the right key. Having this information ready will speed up the process and will be much faster than if you were to just bring in a regular car key.
You can save some of the cost by having a spare transponder key made before you require one and then putting it in a different place than your car or home. It is recommended to keep it in a place that is easy to find, like your kitchen counter or in the glove box. This will help you keep track of the item to ensure that it doesn't become lost in your purse.
Basic Keys
It's a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere secure, particularly if you reside in a cold climate. A spare key can save you from having to contact a locksmith or have your vehicle towed if you lose the original. Keeping a spare key can also save you money in the long run since the majority of locksmiths charge an price that is a tad steep for keys that are basic.
If you have a standard key, it should be easy to obtain a duplicate at any home improvement store. The majority of these stores have self-service kiosks that are easy to use. They can make standard keys as well as auto keys that don't require any programming. You may need to pay a little more for the auto keys but they are still much cheaper than visiting the dealer.
Another great place to get spare keys is the local hardware store. It's much less expensive to buy the spare key at the hardware store than at locksmiths. They are available in every city and town. They typically offer a broad range of key types and also additional services such as locksmith assistance.
Some grocery and retail shops have their own kiosks. Walmart and Menard's, for example 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 are not compatible with modern keyfobs.
You can also check out locations like AutoZone or Napa. These are huge chains of automobiles with a large number of locations across the country and are able to assist you with any kind of key you need. These places are much less expensive than locksmiths and often can complete the job quicker too.
There is a brand new service that will mail you a spare key via mail in the event that you lose the original. Find out more about this service, called minuteKEY. Contact your auto warranty or insurance company to find out if it covers stolen or lost key fobs. These aren't so common as getting a spare key from any of the locations mentioned in this article, however it's an option when you're looking to save cash and don't wish to invest a lot of money in locksmith services.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a specific kind of car key that's designed to provide an extra level of security when you give your car 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 found in higher-end cars such as BMWs and Audis. Certain sports cars have them as well.
spare car key fob for valet come with features that block out the trunk and center console of the car, in addition to stopping the car from driving over a certain distance or at too fast speed. You can turn these features on by using the computer in your car prior to giving the key to the valet.
This feature is especially useful when your car is equipped with expensive equipment, like laptops and golf clubs. It also helps to keep your car from being taken for a joy ride by unscrupulous characters. If you're not sure if your car came with the valet key, read through the owner's manual or contact your dealer to inquire.
Valet keys can be a great way to provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle when you hand it to professionals. However, they do not substitute for having an extra key. It's recommended to keep the valet key in a secure place, such as your wallet or purse until you're ready. If you keep the valet keys in your car, it could be misused and lead to a lot of trouble for you.
Fortunately that the majority of people don't deliberately lose their spare keys. It can occur at any time and it's crucial to have a plan in place for when that happens. It is also recommended to find an expert in the field who can create a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable price. It is also important to note down the year, year of manufacture and model of your car and the VIN number in case you ever have to report a lost or stolen vehicle.
Keyless Entry Fobs
The modern key fob has more to offer than just a small remote. It opens the doors of your car, trunk and tailgate. It also powers up the engine. Some even have an alarm for security, too. Fobs offer a lot of functionality, in a compact package. They are also easier to use for people with disabilities who are unable to turn a standard key.
These little remotes function in different ways depending on the year of your car, make and model. For example, some key fobs may require dealer programming or special computer software only accessible through a dealership in order to function with your vehicle. Other fobs can be programmed through the infotainment system of your vehicle or the dashboard controls, which is typically a time-consuming process that involves the use of menus and entering security codes.
A spare remote is a good idea, regardless of the type of remote you use. It will help you get back on the road sooner in the event that yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. You can also avoid additional costs at a locksmith in the event that you need a replacement key made or your key fob battery is in need of replacement.
Fobs are available in a variety of colors and finishes as well as shapes to suit your style and preferences. Most have a key ring molded directly into the enclosure, so you can put it on your existing key ring. They also come in a variety of button designs, ranging from zero to five. Some are made with a snap-together, screw-together design that makes them simple to put together and take apart. Others have a key chain clip for easy attachment to your briefcase, purse or other bag.
A key fob is equipped with an RFID transmitter or radio-frequency identification (RFID), chip and antenna. The device communicates with a reader device that is connected to the locking system of your car. When you hit a button on your fob, it transmits an unique coded signal to the reader device. The reader device then adjusts the frequency of the signal and accepts it if it is in line with what the RFID tag is programmed to accept.