Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key during grocery shopping or you put it down to grab your coffee, the loss of keys to cars can happen. Keep an extra key and look over the places where you tend to leave your keys before going out.
Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication equipment which can copy house keys, and sometimes car keys and key fobs. Visit their website for current prices and additional information.
Valet keys
Valet keys let the vehicle be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are typically a less expensive alternative to a regular replacement key. They are typically employed by hotel valet attendants and mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of a customer. However they can also be employed by private parties to gain entry into the vehicle in the event that the remote key fob battery fails.
The primary reason to use a valet key is to deter theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take cars of customers for joy rides and the valet key can act as a deterrent, making it difficult for thieves to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car's boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys maintain the original function of older lock keys. They are able to unlock the driver's door but not the console or trunk lock. Some luxury vehicles of high-end also contain features that increase the security of the valet keys for example, a limit on power output. This prevents the vehicle from being started using the key unless the engine is turned off.
While these features are an improvement in the direction but the valet key isn't without flaws. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys and are able to use a Crowbar to open them. Certain keys for valet also have weaker locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.
In some instances, the valet key may not work as expected particularly if it has been damaged or dropped. The key could cease to function abruptly and the owner will have to call a professional locksmith to replace it. In the case of a malfunctioning key it is crucial to have a spare.
If you are in need of a new car key or have lost your Attendant Key, visit your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it is important to know the year and make of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys due to their an easy edge design. They don't have a transponder, and so they don't require the use of encoding. They are made of brass or nickel and are therefore more durable. They can also be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive usage.
Having a spare key can prevent you from losing your car and going through the hassle of changing the key. It is an ideal idea to keep one somewhere separate from your keychain so that it is easy to find. You can give it to someone you trust to drive your vehicle in the event that you are locked out.
The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. They typically have a machine called KeyMe, which allows you to easily make copies of your keys in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also manufacture key fobs that can be used to start cars using push buttons.
It is recommended to call ahead before heading to a store offering these services. You can also visit their website to see the types of keys that they can create. Some locksmiths may not be able to create keys for locks with high security.
You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership, if you own one. They'll need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to create a new one for you. To do this, they'll require evidence of your ownership, such as the registration or title.
If you have an old key, you can go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able to make you a spare key quickly and affordably. They can duplicate the key you have or give you an unprogrammable key that is blank. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle to accomplish this, so you'll be required to keep that information handy if you are planning to visit these locations to get your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that utilize metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. When the key is turned on by the microchip, it sends an low-level signal. This signal contains a digital serial number that matches with the key code stored in the computer system of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of your car is disarmed when the correct code is found.
Transponder keys aren't only more secure, they also make it more difficult to duplicate keys for cars. In i need a spare key for my car , some vehicles will refuse to start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). As such, they are the preferred option when you want to decrease the possibility that your car is stolen or copied.
If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if they're stolen, it's important to have a spare key made as quickly as possible. A lot of locksmiths for automotive are able to repair your key fob or create an uncut switchblade key that can be linked with your original key.
A transponder key replacement may be a costly undertaking however, it's usually less expensive than having your vehicle towed and retrieved after a theft. It can also be quicker than visiting an auto dealer.
In addition to being able to repair or replace the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions and other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of types of automobiles and makes, so they're an excellent choice if you require replacement of your spare or lost key.
It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will stop you from accidentally misplacing or losing it, and it will also make finding your car easier if you're in a hurry. If you are worried about leaving your spare car key visible, keep it hidden under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment.
Remote Keys
In most modern cars, a key fob is required in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. The key fob appears like a smartphone rather than an actual car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing a single button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Certain cars also have the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful if you have to squeeze into a cramped space.
Car keys can sometimes not work at the most uncomfortable moments. You could be at a gas station, heading to pick up some groceries or just returning home from a long day when you put your keys down for just one second only to realize that you didn't carry a spare key with you. This can be extremely frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores are able to repair and make new keys right on the spot.
If your car has remote keys, they has a chip which needs to programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the equipment needed to duplicate the transponder key. We can do this while you wait, typically in less than 30 minutes, which is enough time to complete your errands and then pick up your car keys.
You will have to bring your current keys to be able to have it duplicated at one of our locations. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your car in order to duplicate the correct fob or key for your specific car.
If you're having issues with your car key, or if you're just looking to have an extra key for peace of mind, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and expertise to design a spare car key that can last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it in a safe place!