How to Find a Spare Car Key Maker Near Me
Car keys can stop working at the most difficult times. When you're packing groceries into the trunk, heading to work, or getting ready to take your children to soccer practice, you may find that your car keys do not want to turn.
To create an extra key for your car, a technician will choose the appropriate blank key for your vehicle. Then using a machine they will trace the contours of the original key. This process usually takes only a few minutes.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, or chip keys as they are sometimes referred to are present in a variety of cars today. These are slightly larger than the typical mechanical car key and have an electronic micro-chip embedded in the head of the key. The chip sends 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 only allow the car to start when that signal is received. This system eliminates the possibility of stealing cars with stolen keys since it is impossible for anyone else to successfully use a duplicate key to start your vehicle.
The best method to determine if your key has a transponder chip is to take it to a locksmith shop or auto dealership and inquire about it. They will be able easily confirm that the key has a transponder chip and that it has to be programmed to your specific vehicle. If you've not seen the technology in action, they should be able demonstrate how it works.
If you're in a pinch and require a spare transponder key made, it will cost more than a standard car key. However, when you think about the fact that a transponder key can be a lifesaver from needing to replace your luxurious car or family vehicle 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 no cost. You'll need to provide them the year, the make and MODEL of your vehicle so that they can program the correct key. Having this information ready will speed up the process by being significantly faster than if you simply bring in a standard car key.
You can save money by making a spare transponder and storing it somewhere other than your vehicle or home. It is recommended to keep it in a readily accessible place, such as your kitchen counter or in a glove box. This will allow you to keep track of it, so it's not tossed in your purse, which could easily become lost.
Basic Keys
It's a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere safe, especially if you reside in a colder 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 over time since locksmiths typically charge a large sum for keys that are basic.
You can easily get a duplicate key from any home improvement store, if you have a standard one. Most of these stores have self-serve kiosks that are easy to use. They can produce regular keys as well as auto keys that don't need any programming. You may have to pay a bit more for auto keys, but they are still much cheaper than visiting the dealer.
Another great place to get an extra key is the local hardware store. This is typically less expensive than hiring locksmiths and you'll find one in every city or town. They usually provide a variety of key types and also other services such as help with locking out.
Some retail and grocery stores have kiosks as well. Walmart and Menard's for instance both have them in their stores. The process is pretty similar to kiosks at home improvement stores and they can create auto and standard keys. They can even program older VATS and Transponder keys that aren't compatible with modern key fobs.
You can also try locations like AutoZone or Napa. These are huge chains of automobiles that have a lot of locations in most states and can typically assist you with any kind of key you require. These chains are a lot less expensive than locksmiths and can usually complete the job quicker too.
If you lose the original key, you can now get a replacement through mail. This is known as minuteKEY and you can learn more about it here. Check with your insurance or auto warranty company to find out whether it covers stolen or lost key fobs. These services aren't as common as obtaining a spare key from one of the locations mentioned in this article but it is an option if you need to save some money and don't want to pay a large sum for a locksmith.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a form of spare keys for cars that offer an additional level of security for the time you hand over your vehicle to a mechanic or valet. In essence, these keys let you unlock and start the car but won't give them access to your glove box or trunk, Family Handyman reports. They are typically found in higher-end 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 the center console of the car, in addition to stopping the car from driving over a certain distance or at a too high a speed. You can activate these features in your vehicle's computer onboard before handing over the key to a valet.
This feature is especially useful if you have expensive gear in the trunk of your car, like laptops or golf clubs. It also helps to keep your car from being used for a ride by unscrupulous characters. If you're not sure if your car has a valet, check the owner's manual or ask your dealer.
Valet keys are an excellent way to add an extra layer of security to your vehicle when you offer it to an expert. However, they will not replace having a spare key. It is a good idea to keep the valet key in a secure location, such as your purse or wallet, until you are ready to use it. If you keep your valet key in your vehicle, you could end up in serious trouble if it gets into the wrong hands.
Fortunately, the majority of people don't deliberately lose their spare keys . However, it could happen at any time and you should have a plan to deal with this if it occurs. This means that you have a spare key maker near me who can provide you with a new key quickly and cost-effectively. It is also important to note down the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as the VIN number in case you ever have to report a missing or stolen vehicle.
Keyless Entry Fobs

The modern key fob is more just a tiny remote. spare car key cut opens the doors of your car or trunk and tailgate and starts the engine. It also includes a panic button and can even control some accessories, like windows and sliding doors that can be powered. Some have an alarm for security, too. Fobs provide a lot of functionality in a very compact package, and they are easier to use for people with physical limitations that make turning a regular key difficult.
The way these tiny remotes function varies based on the year, make, and model of your vehicle. Certain key fobs require dealer programming, or computer software that is only accessible through a dealership in order to function with your vehicle. Other key fobs can be programmed using your vehicle's infotainment system or the dashboard controls, which is typically time-consuming and requires the use of menus and entering security codes.
A spare remote is a great idea no matter what type of remote you use. You'll be back on the roads faster in the event that you lose, damage or even get your remote stolen. You can also avoid paying a fee to a locksmith when you require a replacement key or a replacement battery for your key fob.
Fobs are available in a range of shapes, colors, and finishes to suit your personal style and preferences. They typically have an integral key ring that is built into the enclosure, meaning you can put it on your existing key ring. They are available in a variety of button configurations ranging from zero to five. Some come with a snap-together or screw-together style that makes assembling and disassembling them simple. Some include a keychain clip to easily attach them to your briefcase, bag or purse.
A key fob contains an antenna/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 the button on the key fob, the signal is sent to the reader device. The reader device adjusts the frequency of this signal to coincide with the RFID tag's programed frequency.