Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if you lost your car keys while shopping or if you put it away when you went to get your coffee. Keep a spare car key and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.
Some supermarkets, like Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate keys for cars and fobs. Visit their website for current prices and other details.
Valet Keys
Valet keys are a type of car key that allows the vehicle to be driven, but doesn't unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are less expensive than a standard replacement car key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the car of customers. However, they can also be employed by a private party to gain access to the car in case the owner's remote key fob battery goes out.
The main reason to use valet services is to deter theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' cars on rides. The valet key acts as a deterrent, making it more difficult to take the car. Valet keys are also helpful for people who leave valuables in the boot or glovebox of their vehicles.
Modern valet keys retain the original functionality of older lock keys. They can still unlock the driver's door however, they cannot open the console or trunk lock. Some luxury vehicles of high-end also include features that improve the security of the valet keys for example, a limit on power output. This prevents the car from being started with the key unless the engine has been turned off.
These features are a great starting point but the valet key has its shortcomings. For instance, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys and can make use of an Crowbar to open them. Valet keys can also have weaker locks as compared to standard replacement key fobs.
In some instances the valet key might not function as expected, especially if it has been dropped or damaged. The key could stop working suddenly and the owner will have to contact an expert locksmith to replace it. It is important to ensure that you have a valid spare key in the event of this issue.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need an additional key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to get your car key, it's helpful if you have the year and model of your vehicle.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys since they have simple edges. They don't come with a transponder and therefore don't require encryption. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore more durable. They also can withstand rough handling and harsh usage.
A spare key will help you avoid having to rekey your car if you lose it. It is recommended to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so it is easy to locate. You can leave it with a family member who you can trust to drive your car if you need to get locked out.
The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable costs. They typically have a device called KeyMe, which allows you to easily make copies of your keys in a matter of minutes. spare remote car key can locate an outlet near your location by checking their website. Some of them can also make key fobs for cars that have a push button start.
Contact us prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also look online to find out what kind of keys they can make. Some locksmiths may not be able to make keys for high security locks.
You'll need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you own one. Before they can create you a new key they will need to verify that you have the vehicle. To verify this, they will need evidence of ownership like the registration or title.
If you have a conventional key, you can go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both of them will be able to make you a spare key quickly and affordably. They can duplicate your key or provide you with an unprogrammable key that is blank. They will require the year, make, and model of your car to do that, so you will want to have that information on hand if you're planning to visit these locations to get your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that make use of metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. The microchip sends out an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. The signal is an identification number that matches the key code stored in the computer of your vehicle. If the correct code is matched the immobilizer system of your car disarms and allows the engine to start.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys also make it harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some cars will refuse to start when the wrong key is used (except for non-transponder keys). This is why they are the preferred option when you want to decrease the chance that your vehicle will get stolen or copied.
If you have lost or had your transponder keys stolen you must get a new one created as soon as you can. Fortunately, auto key spares of locksmiths in the automotive field can replace the key fob or design an uncut key that can be paired with a switchblade key in order to provide the same function as the original key.
A transponder key replacement may be expensive However, it's typically less expensive than having your vehicle towed and retrieved after theft. It's also quicker than going to a dealership.
A locksmith can repair or replace your lost or broken key and also repair your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can also make duplicate keys for a variety of kinds and models of automobiles which makes them the best choice if you need a new spare or lost yours.
It is essential to store your spare car keys in a safe place, not tied to your keychain. This will stop you from accidentally misplacing or losing it in the first place, and will make finding your car easier when you're in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a public location, try keeping it hidden beneath the dashboard or in a hidden compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
In the majority of modern cars, a key fob is required in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. Key fobs look more like a smartphone than a car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car using a button. It also lets you start your car remotely.
spare key replacement offer the option to "summon" your car by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful in situations where you have to squeeze into a cramped space.
Car keys can sometimes not work at the most inconvenient moments. You might be at a gas station, on the way to pick up groceries, or heading back home after a long day when you realize that you've lost the spare key. It can be quite frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores are able to repair and create new keys immediately.
If your car is equipped with a remote key, it will have a small chip in it which needs to be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can do this while you wait, usually within less than 30 mins which is enough time to complete your errands and then pick up the car keys.
Bring your key to one of our shops to have it duplicated. To duplicate the correct fob or key, we will require information about your car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you need a spare car key or if you want to be secure. We have the expertise and tools to design keys that last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it safe!