How to Get Spare Car Keys Cut A spare car key can be a good investment to ensure your peace of mind. It reduces the stress of being left outside your vehicle and could save you money over the long haul. Cutting your keys or getting them duplicated is easy but there are things to remember. Knowing the difference between duplication and cutting will save you from costly errors. How can I obtain an extra key Being locked out of your vehicle can cause a lot of stress. It can also be costly in the event that you need to find an emergency locksmith. Fortunately, you can avoid such inconvenience by having a spare key. You can obtain one by going to your local car dealer, a locksmith, or even through advanced methods like key code extraction and transponder programming. These methods could require proof of ownership. Having a spare key can save you lots of time. If you're prone to losing things, you should locate a spot in which you can store the spare key. This magnetic box is perfect to store the spare key. It's discreet and keeps your keys safe. You can also store the spare in a safe spot at home, like a hidden drawer or a safe deposit box. You can also assign someone who is trusted to locate the key in the event you lose it. If you share a vehicle with a spouse or child, you can eliminate frustration and confusion by having an extra key. This will also reduce the number of times you lock your other person out of your vehicle or in it. This can help you save money by not having to engage an expert to unlock the vehicle. If you leave your phone in your car often, it's recommended to carry an extra key. There are many cars that come with keyless entry systems that only work when your phone's key is within the range. A spare key can help you avoid the inconvenience of locking your keys in the car while you are defrosting the windshield or performing other chores. If you lose your spare key, the last thing you want to do is contact a locksmith. You'll be spending a lot of time waiting for someone, and you'll end with a higher cost in the long run. A spare key will help you avoid having to deal with this issue and is definitely worth the investment. Duplicating keys Copying a spare key can be a simple, convenient, and inexpensive way to ensure that you have access to your car in the event of a lockout. However, you must know how to get a key copied correctly. If you don't, you may end having a fake key that won't work with your lock. You should therefore use a locksmith for the copying of your spare key to ensure that it functions in your lock. Having a spare key also protects your keys from being damaged by wear and tear. As time passes keys will become weak and worn and, as a result, they will be more likely to get stuck in the lock or get inwards. This is the reason you should always have a spare car key on you, and store it in a secure place, like under the mat or in the trunk of your vehicle. If you've lost your car keys or have lost your car key, you can obtain a duplicate copy at a hardware or department store. A locksmith may also offer an extra car key, but this is more expensive and requires an authorization code. You can also contact the maker of your vehicle to find out if they offer a replacement key. Some shops have key duplication equipment, however, they can be difficult to use and take quite a long time to complete. Most people prefer going to a professional locksmith have their keys duplicated. This is because locksmiths are trained to work with all types of locks and have the equipment required to complete the task in just a few minutes. You can make your own key-making kit in order to save money. This kit comes with a key blank and the tools to cut it. You can also purchase key kits from local drugstores and discount stores. The majority of key kits come with a specially designed tool that can be used to cut keys for regular locks in offices and homes. Some kits can be used with mortise or cylinder locks. How to get an official copy of the key Getting a key copied is a fast and simple method to ensure you have a backup in case you lose your keys. Many home improvement stores and other big box retailers offer this service. The primary duplication process varies from store-to-store, but is usually a streamlined system designed to maximize efficiency and satisfaction of customers. You can also locate these services in local hardware stores, as well as some car dealerships. If you own a contemporary car, your spare keys may be a fob, which is an electronic key that requires to be programmed to open and start your vehicle. These keys are more expensive than regular car keys, and are available from car dealerships and locksmiths. It's essential to keep a spare key in a safe place, and make sure you have access to it at all times. A spare key can not only provide peace of mind, but will also save you money over time and is less expensive and less stressful to employ a locksmith than to have your vehicle tow. It's an excellent idea to leave the key with an amiable family member, so you do not have to worry about being locked out of your vehicle in an emergency. You can also get your keys copied at your local auto parts store such as O'Reilly or NAPA Auto Parts. These locations offer different key types including regular car keys as well as ignition keys. They also have door locks. Some of these locations offer a KeyMe kiosk that can cut common keys as well as other special keys. A locksmith near you can offer key duplication services as well as other key-related solutions. You should be aware, however, that a locksmith needs the original key to duplicate it. For additional peace of mind you can also reach out to the manufacturer of your car or research insurance coverage options. Another method to obtain an extra key is to purchase an instrument for key duplication, but this may not be practical for most people. Key duplication machines can cost hundreds of dollars, and you'll need to cut a large number of keys to break even. You can locate a retail outlet, such as hardware stores, that provides key cutting services for less. Programming a key Getting a spare key is a crucial part of being a responsible car owner. It lets you keep yourself safe from locking out of your car in the event that you forget to lock it or break your original key. By allowing you to use the original key in a different manner, it can help reduce wear and tear. A spare key can save you money in the future on locksmith services. The majority of new automobiles are sold with two keys, the second being the spare. If you purchase a used car, you could only receive one key. In this case you'll have to get an exchange from the dealer. The process is usually fast and easy. The dealer will take photos of your keys, and then provide an identifier that can be used to program new keys. If you have a modern car, it will most likely include a transponder chip into the key. This chip is an antitheft device that stops anyone from opening your car. It's important to note that if you own an older key, it could be duplicated by the majority of auto parts stores. The key needs to be programmed to start your vehicle. It's a good idea to keep your spare key in a secure location, and ensure you have it on hand in case you require it. It's common to misplace your keys or have an unfortunate day, so you should always be prepared. A spare key can also make it less likely for you to have to call a tow truck should you lock yourself out of your vehicle. Many car owners don't know where to hide their spare keys or where to look. Here are some great places to store your key: