Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key when you were grocery shopping or set it down to grab your coffee, the loss of keys to cars can happen. Be sure to keep a spare key in your bag and be sure to check the areas where you are likely to leave your keys prior to going out.
Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate house keys, as well as keys for cars and key fobs. For more information on the process and current key prices, visit their website.
Valet Keys
Valet keys allow the vehicle to run, but do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are typically a cheaper alternative to a replacement key. They are usually employed by hotel valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's car. They can also be employed by private parties to gain access to a car when the remote key fob battery fails to function.
The main reason for having valet keys is to prevent theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on joy rides. Valet keys act as an effective deterrent, making it difficult to take the car. Valet keys can also be useful for people who leave valuables in the glovebox or boot of their cars.
Modern valet keys retain the original functionality of older key locks and are able to open a driver's door but not the lock on the center console or the 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 prevents the vehicle being started without turning the engine off.
While these features are an important step in the right direction but the valet key is not without its shortcomings. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and can open them with the help of a bar. In addition, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than the normal replacement key fobs.
In some instances, the valet key may not function as expected, especially if it has been dropped or damaged. The key could cease to function abruptly and the owner will have to contact an expert locksmith to repair it. It is important to ensure that you have a working 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. When you visit Mister Minit to get your car key, it's beneficial to have the year and make of your vehicle.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys have a simple design at the edges and are simple for locksmiths to make. They do not have a transponder, so they don't require the use of encoding. They are usually made of brass or nickel, making them sturdier and durable. They are also able to be able to withstand rough handling and usage.
A spare key can prevent you from losing your car and having to go through the hassle of changing the key. spare keys for cars is a good idea to keep it separate from your keychain so it is easy to find. You can give it to someone you trust who will drive your vehicle in the event that you lock yourself out.
The majority of hardware stores and national home improvement chains offer key duplication services at affordable costs. The KeyMe machine is generally found in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys from standard to modern in a matter of minutes. You can find stores near you by visiting their website. Some of them also make key fobs that can be used to start vehicles with push 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 kinds of keys they can make. Some locksmiths may not be able make keys for locks with high security.
You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership, if you have one. They must verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to make a new one for you. To verify this, they will need evidence of your ownership, like the registration or title.
If you have an old key, visit an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able to make you a spare key swiftly and cost-effectively. They can duplicate your original key or give you a blank, programmable key. You will be required to know the year and make and model of your vehicle to get a replacement key.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that use metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. When the key is activated by the microchip, it sends an unintentional signal. The signal is an identification number that matches the key code that is stored in your vehicle's computer. The immobilizer system in the vehicle is turned off when the correct code matches.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys make it harder to duplicate your car keys. Some cars will not start when you use the wrong key (except for those that are not transponder). As such, they are the preferred option when you want to decrease the possibility that your car is stolen or duplicated.
If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if they're stolen, it's important to have a spare key made as quickly as possible. Many locksmiths in the automotive industry can replace your key fob or create an empty switchblade key that can be paired with your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be expensive However, it's typically less expensive than paying to have your vehicle towed and retrieved after theft. In addition, it can be quicker than going to the dealership.
In addition to being able to replace the broken or lost key, an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions as well as other hardware in your vehicle. They can also duplicate keys for many makes and models of vehicles which makes them a great option if you require a replacement for your spare key or lose it.
It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and not on your keychain. This will help you avoid getting it lost or misplaced as well as aid in finding your car if you're in a hurry. If you are worried about keeping your spare car key visible, keep it in the car's dashboard or inside a secret compartment.
Remote Keys
In modern vehicles, a key fob is needed in addition to traditional car keys made of metal. Key fobs look more like a smartphone rather than the traditional car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. It also allows you to start your vehicle remotely.
Certain cars allow you to "summon" your vehicle by pressing a single button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is great when you need to squeeze into a cramped space.
Sometimes, car keys stop working at the worst possible moment. You could be at a petrol station, en route to buy some groceries or just returning home after a long day when you put your keys down for just one second only to realize that you didn't carry a spare key with you. This can be a huge hassle! The majority of our stores can repair and replace keys immediately.
If your car is equipped with a remote key, it's likely to have tiny chips inside which needs to 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, usually in less than 30 minutes which is plenty of time to complete 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/fob, we will need to know your car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or want to be secure. We'll have the tools and experience to create an extra car key that will last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it in a safe place!