How to Find a Spare Car Key Maker Near Me

A car key can stop functioning at the worst possible time. You might find that your car's key isn't turning when you're loading groceries into the trunk or driving to work or getting ready to drive your kids to soccer.

To create a spare key for your car, a technician will choose the appropriate blank key for the vehicle you are using. Then by using a machine they will trace the contours of the key. The process typically takes just a few 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 larger than a mechanical car key, and they have a micro-chip embedded into the head. When the chip is placed in the ignition, it transmits a low-level signal to the ECU (engine control unit) of your car. The ECU recognizes a unique code transmitted by the chip and will only allow the car to start when that signal is received. This eliminates the possibility that cars are taken away with keys stolen since it is impossible to use a duplicate to start your car.

Bring your key to a locksmith, or to an auto dealership, and ask about it. They should be able to confirm that the key actually does have a chip, and that it is programmed to fit your car. They should also be able demonstrate how it operates if you haven't seen this technology in the action.

It will cost you more to get a transponder car key made if you require one urgently. However, when you think about the fact that a transponder keys can save you from having to replace your expensive vehicle or trusty family rig due to theft, the extra expense is well worth it.

Many locksmiths for automotive can create a spare transponder key for you, and some offer it as a no-cost service to their customers. You'll need to provide them with the YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL of your car to enable them to program the key properly. Knowing this information will accelerate the process by being more efficient than if you were to simply bring in a standard car key.

You can save money by having a spare transponder made and placing it in a different location than your vehicle or home. It is recommended to put it in a place that is easy to locate, such as your kitchen counter or in the glove box. This will help you keep on top of it, and ensure that it's not left in your pocket in a place where it could easily get lost.

Basic Keys

It's a good idea to keep a spare key somewhere safe, especially if you live in a cold climate. A spare key can save you from having to call a locksmith or have your vehicle tow when you lose the original. A spare key will save you money over time as locksmiths typically charge a large sum for keys that are basic.

If you have a standard key it is possible to get a duplicate at any home improvement store. Self-service kiosks are available in most of these stores. They can create auto and standard keys that don't need any programming. You may need to pay a bit more for the auto keys, but they're cheaper than buying from dealers.

Another great place to get an extra key is the local hardware store. This is usually a lot cheaper than hiring locksmith services and you will find one in every town or city. They typically provide a wide range of key types, as well as additional services such as locksmith assistance.

Some retail and grocery stores have kiosks as well. Walmart and Menard's, for example both have them in their stores. The process is a lot like to kiosks in home improvement stores and they can create auto and standard keys. They can even program some older VATS and Transponder keys that aren't compatible with modern key fobs.

You can also visit places such as AutoZone and Napa. These are huge automotive chains which have many locations across the United States and can typically assist you with any type of key you require. They are less expensive than a locksmith, and they can do the job much faster.

There is a brand new service that will send you a spare key via mail if you have lost the original. This is called minuteKEY. You can read more about it here. make spare car key near me can also contact your insurance provider or auto warranty to see if they provide coverage for lost or stolen key fobs. These services are not as common as getting keys from one of the locations mentioned in this article but it's an option if you need to save some money and don't want invest a lot of money in a locksmith.

Valet keys

Valet keys are a special type of spare car key that is created to add an extra level of security when giving your vehicle to a valet or mechanic. In essence, these keys allow someone to open the car and start it 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.

Some valet keys have features that block out the trunk and the center console of the car, as well as restricting the car from being driven for a specific distance or at too fast speed. You can enable these features on your vehicle's onboard computer before handing over the key to a repair or valet 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 prevent your vehicle from being taken for a joy ride by unscrupulous characters. If you're not sure whether your car is equipped with a valet, look up the owner's guide 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 an alternative to having an extra car key. It is an ideal idea to keep the valet key in a safe location, like your wallet or purse until you're ready to use it. If you keep your valet key in your vehicle, you could end up in serious trouble should it fall into the wrong hands.

Fortunately, a majority of people do not lose their car keys that they have in the first place. It could occur at any time so it's essential to have a plan for the event that it happens. This includes ensuring that you have a spare key maker near me who can provide you with an additional key quickly and at a reasonable cost. It is also advisable to record the year, model and make of your vehicle as well as the VIN number just in case you need to report it stolen or missing.

Keyless Entry Fobs

The modern key fob is more just a tiny remote. It opens the car's doors and tailgate, as well as the trunk. It also turns on the engine. Some also house a security alarm, too. Fobs are a great way to get functions, all in a compact package. They are also more convenient to use by those with disabilities who have difficulty to turn a regular key.

These little remotes can work in different ways depending on the year and make, as well as the model. For instance, some key fobs require dealer programming or computer software only accessible through a dealership to work with your car. Others can be programmed via your vehicle's infotainment system or dashboard controls, which is typically an expensive process that requires navigating menus and entering security codes.

No matter what kind of remote you have in your car an extra remote is an ideal option. You can get back on the road faster in the event that you lose, damage or even take yours. And you can avoid extra charges at a lock smith if you need a new key made or your key fob battery needs replacing.

Fobs come in a wide assortment of shapes, colors and finishes that will suit your personal style and preferences. Most come with a key ring integrated into the enclosure, so you can easily add it to your key ring. They are available in a variety of button designs ranging from zero to five. make spare car key near me are designed with a snap-together screw-together mechanism that makes them simple to disassemble and assemble. Others come with a keychain clip that can be easily attached to your purse, briefcase or any other bag.

The key fob is fitted with a transmitter/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 press a button on the fob, it sends an unique coded signal to the reader device. The reader device then adjusts to the frequency of the signal and accepts it if it matches what the RFID tag is programmed to accept.