Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key when you were grocery shopping or set it down to get your coffee, missing car keys happens. Be sure to keep a spare key in your bag and be sure to check the areas you like to leave your keys prior to heading out.
Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication equipment that can copy keys to homes, and occasionally car keys and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and other details.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a kind of car key that permits the vehicle to be driven but doesn't unlock a trunk or glove box. They are less expensive than a standard replacement key. They are usually employed by hotel valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's car. They can also be used by private parties to gain access to a car in the event that the remote key fob battery fails to function.
The primary reason to employ valet services is to deter theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take cars of customers for rides and the valet keys could act as a deterrent by making it more difficult to take the vehicle. Valet keys can also be useful for those who have valuables in the boot or glovebox of their vehicles.
Modern valet keys retain the original functionality of older key locks and can open the door of a driver, but not the lock on the center console or trunk. Certain luxury cars come with security features by limiting power output. This will prevent the vehicle from being started without the engine being turned off.
These features are a good starting point however, the valet key has its shortcomings. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and can make them open using the use of a crowbar. Additionally, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than those found on standard replacement key fobs.
In some instances, a valet key will not work as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key may cease to function abruptly and the owner will have to contact a professional locksmith to replace it. It is important to ensure that you have a spare key in case of this issue.
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. It is helpful to have the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle handy when you visit for an replacement.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple in design at the edges, and are simple for locksmiths to create. They don't have a transponder, so they don't require the use of encoding. They are typically made of brass or nickel, making them stronger and more robust. They are also able to be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive use.
A spare key can make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easy to locate. You can leave it with a friend or family member you trust to drive your car if you ever get locked out.
Many national chains of home improvement and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. They usually have a machine called KeyMe where you can quickly duplicate your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also manufacture key fobs that can be used to start vehicles with push buttons.
Contact us prior to visiting a store offering these services. You can also check online to find out what kind of keys they are able to make. Some might not be able to create keys for high-security locks, therefore you'll need to find an locksmith in those instances.
You'll need to change your smart key at the dealership, if you own one. Before they can issue you a new key they'll need to prove that you own the vehicle. They will need proof of ownership, such as the registration or title to verify that.
If you have an old key, visit an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able to create you a spare key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They will be able to duplicate the original key, or they will be able to provide you with a blank key that could be programmed to work with your car's system. You'll have to know the year and make and model of your car to be able to get a spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that make use of metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. This microchip transmits the radio signal at a low level when the key is activated. This signal contains the serial number that matches the key code stored in the computer of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of your vehicle is turned off when the correct code is found.
Transponder keys are not only more secure, but they also make it harder to duplicate keys for cars. 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 best choice when you want to decrease the possibility that your car could be stolen or duplicated.
If you lose or have your transponder keys stolen, you should have a replacement made as soon as you can. A lot of locksmiths for automotive are able to replace your key fob or create a blank switchblade key that can be paired with your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be expensive however, they are typically cheaper than having your car towing after a the theft. It can also be quicker than going to an auto dealer.
A locksmith can repair or replace your broken or lost key and can also repair your ignition and other parts of your vehicle. They can also duplicate keys for many kinds of models and makes of vehicles which makes them an excellent choice if you require replacement of your spare or lost key.
It's essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will help you avoid accidentally losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to locate your car if you are in a rush. If you are worried about leaving your spare car key visible, place it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys
In modern vehicles keys are required in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. Key fobs are small transmitter that appears more like an iPhone than a real car key. make a spare key can be used to unlock and lock your car with the press of the button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars even come with the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button much like Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful if you need to squeeze into a tight parking space.
Sometimes car keys stop working at the worst possible moment. You may be at a gas station, heading to buy some groceries, or perhaps driving home after a long day when you put your keys down for just one second only to realize you forgot to carry a spare key with you. This can be frustrating! Most of our stores can repair and replace keys immediately.
If your vehicle is equipped with an electronic remote key, it will have a chip that needs to programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder keys. We can duplicate your transponder key while you are waiting. It usually takes less than 30 minutes. There is plenty of time to complete around before you pick up the keys.
You will require bringing your current keys to get it copied at one of our locations. To duplicate the correct fob or key we'll require information about your vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.
If you're having difficulty with your car keys, or if you're just looking to have a spare key made for peace of mind, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We have the expertise and tools to design an extra key that will last for a lifetime. Just be sure to keep it somewhere safe!