Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if lost your car keys while shopping or if you put it away 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.
Certain supermarkets, including Save Mart and H-E-B, have a self-service key duplication machine which can copy car keys and 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 a less expensive option than a standard replacement car key. They are typically used by hotel valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to the customer's vehicle. However, they can also be used by a private party to gain entry into the vehicle in the event that the owner's remote key fob battery is not working.
The primary reason to use valet keys is to prevent theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for joy rides, and the valet key can act as a deterrent by making it more difficult to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car glovebox or in the boot.
Modern valet keys retain the original functionality of lock keys from the past. They are able to open the door to the driver's side but not the console or trunk lock. Some high-end luxury vehicles also include features that improve the security of the valet key, such as a restricted power output. This prevents the car from being started with the key unless the engine has been shut off.
While these features are an improvement in the direction however, the valet key is not without flaws. For instance, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys and they can use a crowbar to force them open. In addition, some valet keys have weaker locks than those found on normal replacement key fobs.
In some cases 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 need to call an expert locksmith to replace it. It is essential to make sure that you have a spare key in case of this problem.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need an additional key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. It is a good idea to have the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle when you go in to get the replacement.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys have a simple design at the edges, and are easy for locksmiths create. They don't contain a transponder and therefore don't require encoding. They are made from nickel or brass and are therefore more durable. They can also withstand rough usage and handling.
A spare key can prevent you from losing your car and having to go through the trouble of re-keying it. It is recommended to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so it is easy to locate. You can leave it with a friend or family member you can trust to drive your car if you ever get locked out.
Most hardware stores and national home improvement chains provide key duplication services at affordable costs. They typically have a machine called KeyMe that allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to turn on cars using push buttons.
Call ahead before going to a store that offers these services. You can also visit their website to see the kinds of keys they are able to make. Certain locksmiths might not be able to create keys for locks with high security.
You'll need to change your smart key at the dealership if you have one. They will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to create a new key for you. They will require evidence of ownership such as the registration or title to verify that.
If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts shop or locksmith. Both of them can make your spare key quickly and affordably. They can duplicate your original key or provide you with an unprogrammable key that is blank. spare key maker will need the year, make, and model of your car to do that, so you will want to have that information handy if you are planning on going to these locations to have your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are microchips that are built into the head. This is different from traditional keys that use metal contacts to open the lock or start the vehicle. When the key is activated the microchip emits an unintentional signal. The signal contains the serial number that matches the key code that is stored in your vehicle's computers. The immobilizer system of the vehicle is activated when the correct code is found.
In addition to providing greater security, transponder keys make it harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, certain cars will not start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). They are the best choice when you want to decrease the likelihood that your car could be stolen or duplicated.
If you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if they're stolen it's important to have a backup key made as soon as you can. A lot of locksmiths for automotive are able to repair your key fob, or create an uncut switchblade key that can be joined with the original key.
Transponder key replacements can be expensive however, it's usually less expensive than paying to have your car towed and recovered after theft. Additionally, it could be less time-consuming than visiting the dealership.
In addition to being able to repair or replace your lost or broken key an automotive locksmith can repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can also create duplicate keys for a variety of types and makes of vehicles and are therefore an excellent choice if you need a new spare or have lost your keys.
It is essential to store your spare car key in a safe place, not connected to your keychain. This will help you avoid accidentally losing or misplacing it. It will also make it easier to locate your car if you are in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a visible location, try keeping it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment of your vehicle.
Remote Keys
In the majority of modern cars keys are required in addition to traditional metal car keys. Key fobs look more like a smartphone rather than the traditional car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car by pressing a single button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars even come with the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is a great option when you have to get into a congested parking space.
Sometimes, keys to cars fail to function at the worst possible time. You may be at the station, on the way to get groceries, or returning back home after a long day only to realize you've forgotten the spare key. This can be a huge hassle! The majority of our stores are able to repair and replace keys immediately.
If your car is equipped with a remote key it has a chip that must be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder car keys. We can do this while you wait, generally within less than 30 mins, which is plenty of time to complete your errands and then pick up the car keys.
You will have to bring your current keys in order to have it duplicated at one of our stores. We will require the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key/fob for your specific car.
If spare car keys made near me having issues with your car keys, or if you're just interested in getting a spare key created for peace of mind, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We have the expertise and tools to create keys that last for a lifetime. Make sure it's secure!