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A car key can stop working at the most uncomfortable times. If you're putting groceries in the trunk, driving to work, or getting ready to take your children to soccer practice, you may discover that your car keys don't want to turn.
To create a spare key for your car, a technician will choose the appropriate blank key for your vehicle. Then by using a machine they will trace the contours of the original key. This process takes just a few moments.
Home Page , also known as chip keys as they are often referred to are present in a variety of cars today. These keys are slightly bigger than your typical mechanical car key and feature an electronic microchip embedded into the head of the key. When the chip is placed into the ignition, it transmits 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 the signal is received. This system prevents the possibility of theft of vehicles with stolen keys as it is impossible for anyone to use a duplicate key to start your car.
The best way to determine whether your key is equipped with a transponder chip is to take it to a locksmith or auto dealership and ask about it. They will be able easily confirm that the key has a transponder chip in it and that it needs to be programmed for your particular vehicle. If you've not seen the technology in the field they should be able to show you how it functions.
If you're in a pinch and need to have a spare transponder key made it will cost more than just a regular car key. The cost is worth it if you consider that a transponder can save you from having replace a luxury vehicle or your family's trusted equipment due to theft.
Some automotive locksmiths will make an extra transponder for you, and they might even do it for free. You will need to give them the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of the vehicle to enable them to program the correct key. Having this information ready will make the process easier by being much faster than if you were to just bring in a regular car key.
You can save some of the expense by getting a spare transponder key made before you need one, and leaving it in a different area than your car or home. It's recommended to place it in a spot that's easy to locate, such as the counter in your kitchen, or the glove box. This will allow you to keep track of the item so that it won't disappear in your pocket.
Basic Keys
Keep your spare car keys in a safe place particularly if your climate is cold. You won't have to call a locksmith, or have your vehicle towed, in the event that you lose the original key. Keeping a spare key can also save you money in the long term as locksmiths typically charge an price that is a tad steep for keys that are basic.
You can easily get a duplicate key from any home improvement store if you already have a standard one. Self-service kiosks are in most of these stores. They can create auto and standard keys that don't require any programming. You may need to pay a little extra for the auto keys, but they are still much cheaper than visiting the dealer.
A local hardware store is also a great place to find keys to spare. It is much cheaper to buy an extra key from an hardware store than from locksmiths. There are stores in every city and town. They typically offer various types of keys and also other services like help with locking out.
Some grocery and retail shops have their own kiosks. Walmart and Menard's, for example both have kiosks in their stores. The process is pretty similar to home improvement store kiosks and they are able to make standard 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 massive chains for automobiles with many locations in many states. They can usually help you with whatever type of key you need. These locations are cheaper than a locksmith, and they can do the job much faster.
There's a new service that will mail you a spare key via mail if you have lost the original. This is called minuteKEY and you can learn more about it here. You can also check with your insurance provider or auto warranty to find out if they provide protection for lost or stolen key fobs. These aren't as common as obtaining an extra key from one of the places mentioned in this article, however it's an option when you want to save money and don't want invest a lot of money in locksmiths.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a kind of spare car keys that provide an additional layer of security when you surrender your car to a mechanic or valet. They basically, these keys allow you to open the car and start it but they don't grant access to your glove box or trunk, Family Handyman reports. These keys are usually used in luxury vehicles like BMWs and Audis. Some sports cars also come with them.
Some valet keys have features that block out the trunk and center console of the car, as well as restricting the car from being driven for a specific distance or at a too high speeds. You can turn these features on by using the onboard computer of your vehicle before handing over the key to a repair or valet shop worker.
This feature is particularly useful if your car has expensive gear, such as laptops and golf clubs. This feature also prevents your vehicle from being taken on a joyride by unsavory characters. If you're unsure if your car has a valet, check the owner's manual or ask your dealer.
Valet keys are a great option to provide an extra security measure when you are giving your vehicle to a professional, however, they aren't an alternative to having a spare car key. Keep the key in a place secure, such as your purse or wallet, until you are ready to use it. If you leave your valet keys in your car, you could end up in serious trouble should it fall into the wrong hands.
Fortunately, the majority of people don't intentionally lose their spare keys. However, it could happen at any moment and you should have a plan in place for when this occurs. It is also recommended to find a key maker in your area who can create a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost. You should also note down the year, model and make of your vehicle and the VIN number just in case you need to report it missing or stolen.
Keyless Entry Fobs
The modern key fob is much more than simply an insignificant remote. It opens the car's doors and tailgate, as well as the trunk. It also starts the engine. Some also house an alarm for security, too. Fobs are a great way to get functions, all in a compact package. They are also more convenient to use by people with disabilities who are unable to turn a normal key.
These little remotes can work in a variety of ways based on the year of your car, make and model. Certain key fobs require dealer programming or computer software that is only accessible through a dealership in order to function with your vehicle. Certain key fobs are programmed via your car's dashboard controls or infotainment systems. This is a lengthy process that requires you to navigate menus and enter security codes.
Regardless of which type of remote your car uses an extra remote is an excellent idea. You can get back on the roads faster if you lose, damage or even take yours. Suggested Online site can also avoid paying extra at a locksmith if you require a replacement key or a new battery for your key fob.
Fobs come in a wide assortment of shapes, colors and finishes to match your personal style and preference. They usually come with a key ring integrated into the enclosure so that you can easily add it to your key ring. These are available in various button designs that range from zero to five. Some are made with a snap-together, screw-together design that makes them easy to disassemble and assemble. Some include keychain clips to attach them easily to your bag, briefcase or purse.
A key fob contains a transmitter/radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and antenna that communicates with the reader device connected to your car's locking system. When you press a button on the fob, it transmits a unique coded signal the reader device. The reader device adjusts the frequency of the signal to coincide with the RFID tag's programmed frequency.