How to Find a Spare Car Key Maker Near Me
A car key could not function at the worst possible time. When you're packing groceries into the trunk, heading to work, or getting ready to take your kids to soccer practice, you could find your car keys don't want to turn.
To create a spare car key, an associate chooses the right key blank for your vehicle and then uses a machine to precisely trace the original contours of the key. This process takes only some minutes.
Transponder Keys
Many of the cars on the road today come equipped with a transponder key, or what's sometimes referred to as a chip key. They are a little larger than the typical mechanical car key and have an electronic microchip in the head of the key. The chip transmits an unidirectional signal to the engine control unit (ECU) of your car when it is inserted into the ignition. The ECU recognizes the unique code sent by the chip and only allows the car to start once that particular signal is received. This system eliminates the possibility that cars are stolen with stolen keys because it is not possible to use a duplicate key to start your vehicle.
Bring your key to a locksmith, or to an auto dealership and ask questions about it. They will be able easily confirm that it does have a transponder chip in it and that it has to be programmed to your specific car. They should also be able to show you how it operates if you haven't seen this technology in the action.
If you're in a bind and need a spare transponder key, it will cost more than a regular car key. The cost is worth it if you take into consideration that a transponder could prevent you from having to replace a luxury vehicle or your family's dependable vehicle due to theft.
Some locksmiths for automotive will make you a spare transponder, and they may even do it for free. You'll need to provide them the year, make and MODEL of your vehicle to enable them to program the correct key. Knowing this information will speed up the process and will be much faster than if you simply bring in a standard car key.
You can cut down on the expense by getting an extra transponder key before you require one and leaving it in a different area than your home or vehicle. It is best to keep it in a readily accessible location, such as your kitchen counter or a glove box. This will allow you to keep the item in order so that it won't get lost in your pocket.
Basic Keys
It's a good idea keep a spare key secure, particularly if you reside in a colder climate. It won't be necessary to call a locksmith or have your vehicle towed, in the event that you lose the original key. The possession of a spare key could also save you money in the long term as locksmiths typically charge an amount of money for basic keys.
You can easily obtain duplicate keys from any home improvement store if you have a standard key. Self-service kiosks are in a majority of these stores. They can create auto and standard keys that do not require programming. You may need to pay a bit more for the auto keys but they are still much cheaper than going to the dealer.
Another great place to get an extra key is the local hardware store. This is typically cheaper than using locksmiths and you'll find one in every town or city. They typically offer a variety of key types and other services such as help with locking out.
Some retail and grocery stores have their own kiosks. For example, Walmart and Menard's both have them in the majority of 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 that aren't compatible with modern keyfobs.
You can also go to places like AutoZone and Napa. These are huge automotive chains that have a lot of locations across the United States and are able to assist you with any kind of key you require. They are less expensive than locksmiths and can complete the job faster.
There's auto key spares that will send you a spare key via mail in the event that you lose the original. You can learn more about this service called minuteKEY. Check with your auto warranty or insurance company to determine whether it covers lost or stolen key fobs. These aren't as common as obtaining an extra key from any of the locations mentioned in this article, but it is an option if you need to save some money and don't want invest a lot of money in locksmiths.
Valet Keys
Valet keys are a particular type of spare car key designed to provide an extra level of security when you give your vehicle to a valet or mechanic. Family Handyman reports that these keys are designed to permit an individual to open the car and start it, but not to give them access to the trunk or glove compartment. These keys are typically found in high-end cars like BMWs and Audis. Some sports cars include them as well.
Some valet keys have features that block the trunk and the center console of the car, as well as stopping the car from driving for a specific distance or at a too high a speed. You can enable these features by using the onboard computer of your vehicle before handing the key over to a valet or repair shop worker.
This feature is especially useful for those who have expensive equipment in the trunk of your car, like laptops or golf clubs. It also helps keep your vehicle from being taken for a joy ride by unsavory people. If you are unsure whether your car came with a valet key, go through the owner's manual, or contact your dealer to determine.
Valet keys can be a great way to provide an extra layer of security to your vehicle when you hand it to a professional. However, they can not substitute for having an extra key. It is an ideal idea to keep the valet key in a safe location, like your purse or wallet, until you're ready. If you leave your valet keys in your car, 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 happen at any time so it is important to have a plan in case this happens. You should also locate an expert in the field who can make you a new key quickly and at a reasonable cost. You should also write down the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as its VIN number in case you need to report a lost or stolen car.
Keyless Entry Fobs
The modern key fob is more than just a tiny remote. It opens the car's doors and tailgate, as well as the trunk. It also starts the engine. Some have an alarm for security, too. Fobs can provide a great deal of functionality in a very compact package, and they are easier to use for people with physical limitations that make the turning of a regular key difficult.
The method by which these small remotes operate varies, based on the year, model, and model of your vehicle. For instance, some key fobs might require dealer programming or computer software only accessible through a dealership in order to function with your car. Certain key fobs can be programmed through your vehicle's dashboard controls or infotainment systems. This is a lengthy procedure that requires you to navigate menus and enter security codes.
Regardless of which type of remote you have in your car an extra remote is an excellent idea. You can get back on the roads faster in the event that you lose, damage or even get your remote stolen. You can also avoid additional charges from a locksmith when you require a new key or your key fob battery is in need of replacement.
Fobs are available in different colors and finishes as well as shapes to match your style and preferences. Most come with a key ring integrated into the enclosure, so you can easily attach it to your key ring. They are also available in a variety of button configurations, from zero to five. Some are designed with a snap-together, screw-together design which makes them easy to disassemble and assemble. Some include a keychain clip to attach them easily to your bag, briefcase 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 the locking system of your car. When you press 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.