Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys during grocery shopping or you put it down to grab your cup of coffee, losing keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare car key in your possession and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys.
Some supermarkets, like Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment that can duplicate keys for cars and fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and additional information.
Valet keys
Valet keys let the vehicle run, but do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are less expensive than a standard replacement car key. They are most often used by hotel valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to the customer's vehicle. They can also be employed by private parties to gain access to a car when the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.
The main reason to use valet services is to deter theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for rides and the valet key could act as a deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can also be useful for people who leave valuables in the boot or glovebox of their cars.
Modern valet keys retain the original function of key locks from the past, and they can still open a driver's door but not the lock on the central console or trunk. Certain luxury cars have features that improve security like a restricted power output. This will prevent the vehicle from being started without the engine being turned off.
While these features are a step in the right direction but the valet key isn't without weaknesses. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and can make them open using the use of a crowbar. Furthermore, some keys for valet have locks that are less secure than the regular replacement key fobs.
In some instances, a valet key will not function as expected, particularly if it's been damaged or dropped. The key could cease to function abruptly and the owner may have to call an expert locksmith to repair it. It is crucial to ensure that you have a working spare key in case of this problem.
If you're 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 a good idea to have the year and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle in hand when you go in to get the replacement.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys because they have an easy edge design. They do not come with a transponder, so they do not require encoding. They are made from brass or nickel and are therefore more durable. They also can withstand rough usage and handling.
Having a spare key can help you avoid from losing your car and going through the hassle of having to re-key it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easy to find. You can even leave it with a family member whom you can trust to drive your car if you need to 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 make copies of your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some of them also make key fobs that can be used to turn on cars with push buttons.
It is recommended to contact us prior to heading to a store that offers these services. You can also go to their website to see the kinds of keys they can make. Certain locksmiths might not be able make keys for locks with high security.
If you have a smart key, you will need to get an alternative from the dealership. Before they can issue you a new key, they'll need to confirm that you own the vehicle. They will need proof of ownership like 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 make your spare key quickly and affordably. They can duplicate your original key or give you an unprogrammable, blank key. You will be required to know the year, make and model of your car to be able to get a spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys contain electronic microchips embedded in the head. This is different from traditional keys which use metal contacts to open the lock or start the vehicle. The microchip emits the radio signal at a low level when the key is activated. The signal contains the serial number that matches the key code stored in your vehicle's computer. The immobilizer system of your vehicle is turned off when the correct code is found.
Transponder keys are not only more secure, they also make it more difficult to duplicate keys for cars. In fact, some cars won't start when the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). They are the preferred option if you want to reduce the likelihood that your car could be stolen or copied.
If you have lost or had lost your transponder keys, you should get a spare created as soon as you can. Many automotive locksmiths are able to replace your key fob or create an empty switchblade key that can be joined up with your original key.
A transponder key replacement may be an expensive project, but it's often cheaper than having your car towed and recovered following theft. It's also quicker than going to an auto dealer.
In addition to being able to replace your broken or lost keys an automotive locksmith can repair damaged ignitions and other components in your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for various kinds of models and makes of vehicles, so they're a great option if you require replacement of your spare or lost key.
It is essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will help you avoid the risk of losing or misplacing it. It will also make it easier to find your car if you are in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a visible place, try to keep it hidden under the dashboard or in a secure compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
In most modern cars, a key fob is required in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. A key fob looks more like a smartphone than a car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing a single button. It also allows you to start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars even have the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful when you need to squeeze into a tight space.
Sometimes, keys to cars stop working at the worst time. You may be at the gas station, on the way to get groceries, or driving home from a busy day, only to discover that you've forgotten your spare key. It can be quite frustrating! Luckily, the majority of our stores are able to repair and create new key replacements immediately.
If your car is equipped with remote keys, they will have a chip that must be programmed. get a spare car key made of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car key. 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.
You'll need to bring your current key with you to be able to have it duplicated at one of our stores. To duplicate the correct key/fob, we will require information about your vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.
If you're having difficulty with your car key or if you're looking to get an extra key to ensure your safety visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and expertise to design an extra car key that can last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it safe!