Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if you lost your car keys during a shopping trip or put it down when you went to get your coffee. 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 equipment that can copy house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. For more information and the latest prices for keys, check their website.
Valet Keys
Valet keys allow the vehicle to be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are typically a cheaper alternative to a regular replacement key. They are most often employed by hotel valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to the customer's vehicle. However, they can also be employed by private parties to gain access to the car in the event that the remote key fob battery fails.
The main reason to use valets is to stop theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take cars of customers for joyrides and the valet key can act as a deterrent by making it more difficult to steal the vehicle. Read A lot more are also beneficial for those who regularly leave valuables in their car's boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys retain the original functions of older key locks and are able to open a driver's door but not the lock on the central console or trunk. Certain luxury vehicles that are high-end have features that enhance the security of the valet keys for example, a limit on power output. This will prevent the vehicle from being started without the engine being turned off.
While these features are an important step in the right direction, the valet key isn't without weaknesses. For instance, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys, and are able to use a bar to force them open. Additionally, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than those on standard replacement key fobs.
In some cases, the valet key may not function as intended in particular if it's been dropped or damaged. The key could stop working abruptly, and the owner may need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. In the case of a malfunctioning key it is essential to have an extra.
If you are in 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 replace your car key, it is beneficial to have the year and make of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys since they have a simple edge design. They don't have transponders and do not require encryption. They are made of nickel or brass and are therefore more durable. They are also able to handle rough handling and use.
A spare key will make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. Keep it apart 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 if you lock yourself out.
Many national chains of home improvement and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable prices. They typically have a machine called KeyMe, which allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some of them also create 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 go to their website to find out the types of keys that they can create. Certain locksmiths might not be able make keys for locks with high security.
If you have an electronic key, you will need to obtain a replacement from the dealership. They must make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they make a new one for you. They will need proof of ownership, such as the registration or title to prove that.
If you have an old key, visit an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both will be able make you a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable price. They can duplicate the key you have or provide you with an unprogrammable key that is blank. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your car to do this, so you'll be required to keep that information in your possession if you're planning to visit these locations to get your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys contain electronic microchips embedded in the head. This is distinct from traditional keys which use metal contacts to open the lock or start the vehicle. The microchip emits a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. The signal is a serial number which matches the key code stored in your vehicle's computers. When the correct code is matched, the car's immobilizer system disarms so that the engine can start.
Transponder keys are not only more secure, they also make it harder to duplicate a car key. In fact, certain cars will refuse to start if the wrong type of key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). This is why they are the most preferred choice when you want to decrease the likelihood that your car is stolen or duplicated.
If you have lost or had lost your transponder keys, you must get a new one made as soon as you can. Many automotive locksmiths can replace your key fob or create an uncut switchblade key that can be linked up with your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be expensive however, it's usually less expensive than having your vehicle towed and retrieved after a theft. It can also be quicker than going to a dealership.
A locksmith can repair or replace your broken or lost key and can also repair your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can also create duplicate keys for a variety of makes and models of cars which makes them the best choice if you need a new spare or lost yours.
It's important to keep your spare car keys 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 find your car if you are in a rush. If you're concerned about leaving your spare car keys visible, keep it hidden under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment.
Remote Keys
The majority of modern cars require the use of a key fob in addition to the traditional car key. A key fob looks more like a smartphone, rather than an actual car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing one button. It also lets you start your vehicle remotely.
Certain cars allow you to "summon" your car with a single button press similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful for those who need to get into a tight parking spot.
Sometimes car keys fail to function at the worst time. You could be at a gas station, on your route to pick up groceries, or returning back home after a long day when you realize that you forgot your spare key. This can be very frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores are able to repair and provide new key replacements on the spot.
If your car is equipped with a remote key, it will have an embedded chip that must be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder key. We can do this while you wait, generally within less than 30 minutes, which is enough time to run your daily errands, and then pick up your car keys.
Bring your key to one of our shops to get it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key or fob, we will need to know your vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you need a spare car key or want to have peace of mind. We'll have the tools and experience to create a spare car key that can last a lifetime. Be sure to keep it somewhere safe!