How to Find a Spare Car Key Maker Near Me

A car key can stop functioning at the worst possible moment. Whether you're loading groceries in the trunk, preparing to go to work, or getting ready to take your kids to soccer practice, you might discover that your car keys don't want to turn.

To make 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 original key. The process typically takes about a couple of minutes.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys, or chip keys, as they are sometimes called are present in a variety of automobiles today. These keys are slightly bigger than the standard mechanical car key and feature an electronic microchip embedded into the head of the key. The chip transmits an low-level signal to engine control unit (ECU) of your car when it is inserted into the ignition. The ECU recognizes a unique code transmitted by the chip and will allow the car to start when the signal is received. This system eliminates the possibility that cars could be stolen with stolen keys since it is impossible to use a duplicate to start your vehicle.

The best method to determine whether your key is equipped with a transponder chip is to bring it to a locksmith or an auto dealership and ask about it. They should be able to easily confirm that the key has a transponder chip and that it must be programmed for your particular vehicle. They will also be able to explain how it works if you've not yet seen this technology in the action.

It is more expensive to get a transponder car key made if you need one urgently. But, when you consider the fact that a transponder key could be a lifesaver from needing to replace your luxurious vehicle or your beloved family equipment due to theft the extra expense is well worth it.

Some locksmiths for automotive will make an extra transponder for you, and they might even do it for free. You'll need to give them the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of the vehicle so that they can program the correct key. This information will make the process easier, as it will be significantly faster than if you were to 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 a readily accessible location like your kitchen counter or a glove box. This will allow you to keep on top of it, and ensure that it's not in your purse, where it can easily get lost.

Basic Keys

It's a good idea keep a spare key safe, especially if you live in a cold climate. You won't have to call a locksmith or get your vehicle towed if you lose your original key. A spare key can save you money in the long run as most locksmiths charge a lot for keys that are basic.

You can easily purchase a duplicate key made in any home improvement store if you have a standard one. Self-service kiosks can be found in a majority of these stores. They can make regular keys, as well as auto keys that don't need any programming. You might have to pay a little extra for the auto keys, but they're still cheaper than visiting the dealer.

Another great place to get a spare key is at the local hardware store. It's much less expensive to get the spare key for my car key at an hardware store than from a locksmith. They are available in every town and city. They typically offer a broad range of key types and other services like locksmith assistance.

Some retail and grocery stores have their own kiosks. For instance, Walmart and Menard's both have them in a majority of their stores. The process is similar to the kiosks at home improvement stores, and they can create standard keys and auto keys. They can also program older VATS and Transponder keys that aren't compatible with modern key fobs.

You can also visit places like AutoZone and Napa. These are huge automotive chains with many locations in many states. They are able to assist you with any kind of key you need. These chains are a lot more affordable than a locksmith and car key replacement service often can complete the job quicker too.

If you have lost the original key, you can now receive a replacement by mail. Find out more about this service called minuteKEY. Check with your insurance or auto warranty company to find out whether it covers stolen or lost key fobs. These aren't as common as obtaining a spare key from one of the places mentioned in this article but it's an option if you need to save some money and don't want to pay a large sum for locksmith services.

Valet Keys

Valet keys are a form of spare keys for cars. They provide an additional level of security the time you hand over your car to a mechanic or valet. Family Handyman reports that these keys are designed to allow people to unlock the car and begin it, but they don't give them access to the trunk or glove compartment. They are usually found in luxury cars such as BMWs and Audis. Certain sports cars have them as well.

Certain keys for valet come with features that block out the trunk and center console of the car, in addition to stopping the car key replacement service from driving over a certain distance or at too fast a speed. You can enable these features in your car's onboard computer before handing over the key to a repair or valet shop worker.

This feature is particularly useful when you have expensive equipment in the trunk of your car, such as laptops or golf clubs. This feature also prevents your vehicle from being taken for an excursion by unsavory people. If you're unsure whether your vehicle has a valet, check the owner's guide or ask your dealer.

Valet keys can be ideal for providing an additional layer of security for your vehicle when you offer it to a professional. However, they do not substitute for having an extra key. Keep the valet key secure, such as in your purse or wallet until you are ready to use it. If you keep the valet keys in your vehicle, it could be misused and cause a lot of trouble for you.

Fortunately, a majority of people do not lose their spare car keys intentionally. It could occur at any time so it's essential to have a plan for the event that it happens. You should also locate a key maker nearby who can create a new key quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. You should also note the year, year of manufacture and model of your vehicle and the VIN number in case you need to report a lost or stolen car keys spare.

Keyless Entry Fobs

The modern key fob is more than a simple remote. It opens your car's doors or trunk and tailgate it also starts the engine, has a panic button, and can even control some accessories like windows and sliding doors that can be powered. Some even have security alarms. Fobs offer a lot of functionality in a very compact size, and they are easier to use for people with physical limitations that make turning a regular key difficult.

These little remotes can work in different ways depending on the year of your car and make, as well as the model. Certain key fobs require dealer programming or specialized computer software that is only accessible through a dealership in order to function with your vehicle. Other key fobs can be programmed using the infotainment system of your vehicle or the dashboard controls, which is typically an expensive process that requires the use of menus and entering security codes.

A spare remote is a great idea regardless of the type of remote you use. It can help you get back on the road sooner when yours gets stolen, lost or damaged. You will also not have to pay extra for a locksmith if you need a new key or a replacement battery for your key fob.

Fobs come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and finishes to suit your personal style and taste. Most have the key ring that is molded directly into the enclosure, meaning you can put it on your existing key ring. These are available in different button designs that range from zero to five. Some are made with a snap-together, screw-together mechanism which makes them easy to disassemble and assemble. Some come with a keychain clip that allows them to be easily attached to your briefcase, bag or purse.

The key fob has a transmitter/radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and antenna that communicates with the reader device that is connected to your car's locking system. When you press the button on the key fob the signal is transmitted to the reader device. The reader device then adjusts the frequency of the signal and accepts it if it matches what the RFID tag is programmed to accept.