2013 Car Spare Key - Where to Get?
 

I'd like to hide a spare key and don't want to use my only spare w/fob.
Anyone know where to get and how to not have to cash in an IRA to pay for one?
.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1410445413.jpg

If your car can be started without a key fob and the relevant electrical crap in it, it would have been supplied with a thin, wallet-sized key, most likely. If it needs the fob, you may be out of luck.

JR

WTF!
That's a fine howdoyoudo.

So it's not just the configuration of the key insert but the internals of the fob?
Sch1t rag sch1t!

yep - chances are that it has a chip inside and that you need it to start the car along with the key...

So what do you guys do for a modern-day car spare key?
Find a place to stow your spare chipped key?

Sounds good to me. So a locksmith can just cut those goofey-looking keys?

Not likely. That key needs cut with a special machine. I bet you'll have to go to the dealership at best to get a spare cut.

I'll look further...Thanks guys!

Since none of us know what car you have, we are guessing. Start with checking the owner's manual. It should describe what keys came with the car and how they work.

Then, head to the dealer...

JR

2013 Fiat Abarth

Another reason to drive old cars from the 1980s! :D

My keys have never ever even once needed a new battery. I have a key safe like this one mounted securely to the trailer hitch on my El Camino.

Pushbutton, Auto Mount W/Cover - Supra

It keeps the keys dry and safe. Only someone looking around under the car could see it and it would take a lot of time to remove it and get inside without the combination. I could not find a place to mount it on my 911.

I find that with new keys, it's less likely to lose them. A lot of them never need to leave your pocket, the car starts, locks, etc. with the key in proximity. Also, usually the vehicle will not lock from outside with key inside.

Depends which new car you have, I guess. If nothing else, they're a lot bulkier and harder to hide from you.

Keep one in your pocket and one in a kitchen drawer or somewhere you know it is at home. Works like a charm.

Since we own three cars and there are just two drivers there is usually a car parked in the garage. There are never keys available to unlock or start the car left at home.

I have heard a few people that had someone break in, close the door and take the time to load up the car in the garage with the belongings and drive off in that car with the keys that were hanging on a hook or in a kitchen drawer.

With my burglar alarm they would not have much time but it does not take a thief long to steal a car from the garage.

Looks like a standard VAG (VW, Audi, Seat, etc.) chip key. Plenty of uncut keys on evilBay; will need to have dealer cut the key and program the fob for your specific vehicle.

Another option (if you just want to be able to unlock doors/trunk to access a spare key hidden there) is to get a plastic spare (still have to get dealer to cut it for you though):

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1410459654.jpg

I had a key lost from a parking lot attendant at I restaurant I dined at. The restaurant owner apologized, drove me home to get my spare key and drove my car back to my house. He said he would pay for another key. I have a 2003 VW Passat and your key looks very similar.

Now for the cost: The key was $150 itself plus another $150 to program the key and I needed to leave the car to do the work.

I presented the bill to the restaurant owner and while he was blown away by the cost, he wrote me a check for the amount. Quite honestly, I was taken back by the cost too.

"The key was $150 itself plus another $150 to program the key and I needed to leave the car to do the work."

I have a good friend who's a locksmith, that cost doesn't surprise me at all.
Jim