Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys when you were grocery shopping or set it down to get your coffee, the loss of keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare car key in your possession and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.
Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can copy house keys, and sometimes car keys and key fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and more information.
Valet Keys
Valet keys let the vehicle run, but they do not unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are typically a cheaper alternative to a regular replacement key. They are usually employed by hotel valet attendants and mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. However they can also be employed by private parties to gain access to the car in the event that the owner's remote key fob battery goes out.
The primary reason to employ a valet is to prevent theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for rides, and the valet key can act as a deterrent, making it harder to steal the vehicle. Valet keys are also useful for those who have valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their cars.
Modern valet keys maintain the original function of locks from earlier times. They are able to open the door to the driver's side however, they cannot open the console lock or trunk lock. Some high-end luxury vehicles also contain features that increase the security of the valet keys like a limited power output. This prevents the vehicle from being started using the key unless the engine is switched off.
While these features are an important step in the right direction, the valet key is not without its flaws. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys, and can make use of an Crowbar to open them. Some valet keys also have weaker locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.
In some cases valet keys may not function as planned, particularly if it's been damaged or dropped. The key could stop working suddenly and the owner will have to call an expert locksmith to repair it. In the case of a malfunctioning key it is essential to have an extra.
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. When you visit Mister Minit to get your car key, it is important to know the year and model of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily create traditional keys due to their simple edges. They don't have a transponder, so they do not require encoding. They are typically made from nickel or brass, making them more robust and durable. They are also able to withstand rough usage and handling.
A spare key can prevent you from losing your car and going through the trouble of having to re-key it. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easy to locate. You could even leave it with a friend or family member whom you can trust to drive your car in the event that you ever lock yourself out.
Most hardware stores and national home improvement chains offer key duplication services at affordable costs. The KeyMe machine is usually found in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your keys from standard to modern in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some stores also manufacture key fobs that can be used to start vehicles by pushing buttons.
Make sure to call ahead prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also check their website to find out the types of keys that they are able to make. Some locksmiths may not be able to make keys for locks with high security.
You'll need to change your smart key at the dealership, if you own one. They will 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 will need proof of your ownership like the registration or title.
If you have an old key, visit an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both of them can make you a spare key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate the key you have or give you an unprogrammable, blank key. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle to accomplish that, so you'll be required to keep that information on hand if you're planning on going to these locations to get your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
In contrast to traditional keys, which make use of metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. When the key is turned on the microchip emits an low-level signal. The signal is a digital serial number that matches up with the key code in your vehicle's computer system. The immobilizer system of your car is disarmed when the correct code is found.
In addition to providing greater security, transponder keys make it more difficult to duplicate your car key. In fact, certain cars will refuse to start if the wrong type of key is used (except for non-transponder keys). These keys are the best choice if you are looking to reduce the chance of your vehicle being stolen or copied.
If you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if you lose them, it's crucial to have a backup key made as quickly as you can. A lot of locksmiths for automotive can replace your key fob or create an empty switchblade key that can be paired up with your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be costly, but they are often cheaper than having your vehicle towing after a the theft. It's also quicker than going to the dealership.
A locksmith can repair or replace the key that is broken or lost and also repair your ignition and other parts of your vehicle. They can also create duplicate keys for most types and makes of vehicles and are therefore an excellent choice if you need a spare or lost your keys.
cheap spare car keys is essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from getting it lost or misplaced. It also makes it easier to find your car if you are in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a public location, try keeping it hidden under the dashboard or in a secure compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
In most modern cars, a key fob is needed in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. A key fob looks more like a smartphone than the traditional car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your car by pressing a single button. You can also start your car remotely.
Certain cars also offer the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful if you need to get into a congested parking spot.
Sometimes, keys to cars aren't working at the most inconvenient time. You might be at the gas station, on your route to pick up groceries, or driving home from a busy day, only to discover that you've lost the spare key. This can be very frustrating! Luckily, a majority of our stores can repair and create new key replacements on the spot.
If your car is equipped with a remote key it has a chip that requires programming. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder car key. We can do this while you wait, usually within less than 30 minutes which is plenty of time to run your daily errands, and then pick the keys to your car.
You will need to bring your current keys in order to have it copied at one of our locations. We will need to know the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key/fob for your specific vehicle.
If you are having trouble with your car key, or if you're looking to have a spare key made to keep you safe, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We have the tools and experience to design a spare key that will last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it secure!