Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys when you were grocery shopping or set it down to get your cup of coffee, losing keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare car key in your possession and check places where you often leave your keys.
Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate house keys, and sometimes car keys and key fobs. For more information and current key prices, visit their website.
Valet keys
Valet keys allow the vehicle to be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are less expensive than a standard replacement car key. They are usually used by hotel valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to the customer's vehicle. However, they can also be employed by a private party to gain entry into the vehicle in case the owner's remote key fob battery is not working.
The main reason to use valets is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' vehicles on joy rides. The valet key acts as an deterrent, making it difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car's boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys preserve the original function of lock keys from the past. They are able to open the door to the driver's side, but not the console lock or trunk lock. Certain luxury cars have features that improve security like a restricted power output. This prevents the vehicle from starting with the key unless the engine has been turned off.
These features are a good start however, the valet key has its drawbacks. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and are able to open them with the help of a bar. Certain keys for valet also have weaker locks as compared to the standard replacement key fobs.
In some instances the valet key might not work as expected, especially if it has been damaged or dropped. The key could cease to function abruptly and the owner will have to call an expert locksmith to repair it. It is crucial to make sure that you have a working spare key in the event of this issue.
If you're in the need of an additional 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 in hand when you go in to request the replacement.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily create traditional keys since they have an easy edge design. They don't have a transponder and therefore don't require encryption. They are usually made of nickel or brass, making them stronger and more durable. They can also be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive use.
A spare key can prevent you from losing your car and going through the hassle of re-keying it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easy to locate. It is possible to leave it with someone you trust to drive your car in the event that you lock yourself out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. The KeyMe machine is usually available in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. You can locate stores near you by visiting their website. Some of them can make key fobs to cars with push button start.
Call ahead before going to a shop that offers these services. You can also go to their website to see the kinds of keys they can create. Some might not be able to create keys for high-security locks, which is why you'll have to find a locksmith in these cases.
You'll need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you own one. Before they can make you a new key they will need to verify that you have the vehicle. They will require proof of ownership, such as the registration or title to do that.
If you own a traditional key then you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able to create 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 on going to these locations to have your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
In contrast to traditional keys, which use metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. The microchip emits the radio signal at a low level when the key is activated. The signal is a digital serial number that is matched with the key's code in the car's computer system. If the correct code is found the immobilizer system of your car disarms so that the engine can begin.
Besides providing more security, transponder keys also make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some cars 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 best choice when you want to decrease the likelihood that your car could be stolen or copied.
If you lose your car transponder chips keys or if they're stolen it is essential to have a spare key made as soon as possible. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can swap your key fob, or make keys that are blank and can be paired with a switchblade to provide the same function as your original key.
A transponder key replacement may be expensive, but it's often cheaper than paying to have your car towed and recovered following theft. Additionally, it can be faster than visiting the dealership.
In addition to being able to replace your lost or broken key an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can also duplicate keys for many types of automobiles and makes and are an excellent choice if you require a replacement for your spare or lost it.
It is essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will ensure that you don't risk accidentally losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to locate your car when you're in a rush. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a visible location, try keeping it hidden beneath the dashboard or in a secure compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
Modern cars need keys in addition to the traditional car key. The key fob appears like a smartphone than a car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car using the button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars offer the option to "summon" your vehicle with a single button press, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful in situations where you have to squeeze into a small space.
Car keys may malfunction at the most difficult moments. spare car key maker near me could be at the gas station, or on your way to get groceries, or returning back home after a long day, only to discover that you've lost the spare key. This can be frustrating! Most of our stores are able to repair and replace keys immediately.
If your vehicle is equipped with a remote key it will have a chip that requires programming. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder keys. We can do this while you wait, generally in less than 30 minutes, which is enough time to complete your daily errands, and then pick up the car keys.
Bring spare keys to one of our stores to get it duplicated. We will require the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your car in order to duplicate the correct key/fob for your specific vehicle.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or if you want to have peace of mind. We'll have the tools and know-how to make a spare car key that can last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it safe!