How to Get a Spare Car Key Made A spare key can save you the trouble of waiting for someone else to give you one. It also reduces the risk of your car being stolen which is a frequent cause for keys being lost. A duplicate key can be made at any hardware store for a cost of less than $10 for cars that have basic keys. But for modern vehicles with transponder chips, the process is more complex. How can I obtain a spare key A spare key is one of the best ways to avoid getting stranded in the event that you lose your car keys. You can save time and money in the long run. Additionally, it can help ease anxiety and frustration in case you are locked out of your car. You can put your spare keys in many places, including the inside of your car, or with someone you trust or a trusted friend. The first step to get a spare car key is to determine the type of key you need. Most cars today use the smart or standard key system. The standard is the more conventional key that will only unlock your doors and start your engine. The smart key has an integrated chip that allows you to control features of your vehicle, such as remote locking and fuel management. The smart key comes with a GPS integrated into it that gives you information on your location in real time. In the majority of cases, the store will be able to give you a replacement key if you've lost the key. However, it is more affordable to speak with a local locksmith. They will be able to provide you with copies of keys much quicker than a dealership and at a cheaper price. Many hardware stores stock spare keys for a wide range of vehicles. You can even find one that is specifically designed for your particular model and make. Keep one in your glovebox or trunk. It's simple to use and could save your life in the event of losing your car keys. If you're susceptible to losing keys to your car it might be worth investing in the keychain holder or magnetic box to store your spare keys. These devices keep your keys close to hand and allow you to easily unlock or lock your car doors when needed. They can be found at most hardware and big box stores, as well as some automotive outlets. How do you get a smart key? It's essential to keep an extra key fob in case you have an older car that uses one. These keys contain a special chip that communicates with the vehicle which allows you to open and start it. They are also more convenient than traditional car keys. It's not as simple as visiting a locksmith to get a smart key. You will need to visit an auto shop or dealership. A standard key does not have a chip and it is cheaper to duplicate. The most important thing to do is know the year, make and model of your car. Then, you can determine whether you have to get the key programmed by an aftermarket dealer or a company. Most of today's cars include a key fob as a part of the system. The fob triggers a proximity sensor on the dashboard, letting you lock or start the car from some distance. In contrast to a traditional car key that is a metal piece with an infrared circuit powered by a coin cell, the smart key is equipped with an integrated microcontroller. It communicates with the dashboard by an infrared bridge bidirectional that is powered by the coil that is on the key. Smart keys can also automatically alter the settings of the driver if it is detected within range. This could include mirror and seat positioning as well as climate control and radio settings. This is a great feature for families who have multiple drivers in their car or for teens learning to drive. Some of the latest keys have laser-etched codes that the car scans to ensure that it is the right key. These are great for security, but they could be damaged by heat or water. They can then stop functioning properly. There are ways to fix them without spending an enormous amount of money. Depending on how much you love your car, it may be worth making a spare key up to avoid the potential difficulty of being locked out of your car. This is especially true if reside in a place with a high crime rate. It's important to think about the resale value of your car before you decide whether or not to purchase a spare car key. Get a key at a dealership Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was not a big issue. You could simply go to your dealer and get a replacement made. As cars have become more sophisticated and their keys have become more expensive to replace. It is important to always have an extra key. You will require the VIN and proof of ownership to obtain the new car keys at an auto dealer. The VIN is a 17-digit code that uniquely identifies the vehicle. It is located on the dashboard or engine bay of your vehicle, and it should also be on the title or insurance papers. The dealer will utilize this information to program the new key into your vehicle. Be sure to check the price prior to you purchase a car keys. The price varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as in the number of keys you want to purchase. Dealerships can also provide replacement keys that are compatible with older vehicles, so you may think about this option if you own an older automobile. You can also visit an auto locksmith. They usually charge less than the dealership and possess the tools needed to replace many keys. It is important to remember that locksmiths may not be equipped with the expertise and technology to work on every type of vehicles. Certain locksmiths have special equipment to work with certain kinds of keys, so you need to consult them prior to hiring them. You can also find discounts on replacement keys online. Many auto parts stores including AutoZone have the tools and technology necessary to replace most keys. They can even design an ignition key for most vehicles. The process is simple An associate chooses the right key blank for your year, model and model, and then a key cutting machine follows the initial contours of the key. The key is then cut using the same pattern, and the car will recognize it as a genuine key. Getting a key from a locksmith A car key is an essential part of every vehicle. It is used to start the engine and unlock the doors, therefore it's essential to have a spare key in the event that you lose or break yours. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to get an alternative without spending excessively. The cheapest and easiest way to obtain a car key is to contact an auto locksmith. They have the ability to replace keys on all makes and models. They are also certified and experienced, so they can complete the task quickly. They can even work on a wide range of vehicles that include vans, trucks, caravans, and motorcycles. Before calling a locksmith, be sure to bring your car's VIN number and proof of ownership. This information is needed to determine the type of key you need, and to verify that you own the vehicle. The locksmith must also know the year of your vehicle to determine the key code required to create an entirely new key. Most modern cars come with chips that need to be programmed to start the vehicle. The key fob usually comes in a case made of plastic with a battery operated button that can open and lock the trunk. If your car is an older model, it may have an old-fashioned key. You can purchase the replacement fob or key at cheaper than what you'd pay in the dealership. Some stores, such as AutoZone, will replace car keys for you without the original key, but they're not as affordable as local locksmiths. They use the same technology as dealers, which means they can program a new key, and take away the old one. The best method to avoid losing your car keys is to keep a spare somewhere safe, such as an empty purse or pocket. Make it a habit of emptying your pockets before leaving the home. This will keep them from being swept away by the breeze or slipping out when you go shopping.