Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to get your cup of coffee, losing keys to cars can happen. Keep a spare car key and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.
Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication equipment which can copy house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and more information.
Valet keys
Valet keys let the vehicle run, but do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are typically a cheaper alternative to a standard replacement key. They are most often employed by hotel valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's car. They are also used by private parties to gain access to a vehicle if the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.
The main reason to use a valet is to prevent theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' cars on rides. The valet key serves as an effective deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys have retained the original functionality of key locks from the past, and they can still open the door of a driver, but not the lock on the central console or the trunk. Certain luxury cars include security features, such as a limited power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without the engine being turned off.
These features are a great start however, the valet key has its shortcomings. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and are able to open them with a Crowbar. In addition, some valet keys have weaker locks than the standard replacement key fobs.
In certain situations, a valet key will not function as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key may stop working abruptly and the owner might need to call a locksmith to have it replaced. It is important to make sure that you have a valid 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 replace your car key, it's beneficial to have the year and model of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys since they have simple edges. They don't have a transponder, so they do not require encryption. They are made of brass or nickel and are therefore more durable. They also can endure rough handling and severe use.
Having a spare key can help you avoid from losing your vehicle and going through the hassle of re-keying it. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easier to find. You can even leave it with a friend or family member who you can trust to drive your car if you ever lock yourself out.
get spare key made near me of hardware stores and national home improvement chains provide key duplication services at affordable prices. KeyMe is typically found in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. You can locate an outlet near your location by checking their website. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to turn on cars by pushing buttons.
It is recommended to call ahead before heading to a store that offers these services. You can also check their website to find out the types of keys that they are able to make. Some may not be able of making keys for high-security locks therefore you'll need to visit an locksmith in those instances.
If you have an electronic key, you will need to purchase a replacement from the dealer. Before they can create you a new key, they will need to verify that you own the vehicle. To do this, they'll require proof of your ownership such as your registration or title.
If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts shop or locksmith. Both can make your replacement key quickly and at a reasonable price. They'll be able to duplicate your original key or able to provide you with a blank key that could be programmed to work with your car's security system. They will require the year model, make, and year of your car to do that, so you will need to have this information on hand if you're planning to visit these locations to have your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that make use of 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 turned on, this microchip sends an unintentional signal. The signal is the serial number that matches the key code that is stored in your vehicle's computers. If the correct code is matched, the car's immobilizer system disarms, allowing the engine to begin.
Transponder keys aren't just more secure, they also make it harder to duplicate a car key. In fact, certain cars will not start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for non-transponder keys). This is why they are the best option if you want to minimize the risk of your vehicle being stolen or copied.
If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if they're stolen it's crucial to have a spare key made as soon as possible. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can replace your key fob, or make an uncut key that can be paired with a switchblade key in order to provide the same functions as your original key.
A transponder key replacement can be an expensive project However, it's typically less expensive than paying to have your car towed and recovered after a theft. Additionally, it could be less time-consuming than visiting a dealership.
In addition to being able to repair or replace your broken or lost keys an automotive locksmith may repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of makes and models of vehicles, so they're an ideal choice if require a replacement for the spare key or have lost it.
It's essential to leave your spare car key somewhere safe, and not tied to your keychain. This will help you avoid accidentally losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to locate your car when you're in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a visible place, try to keep it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
In modern vehicles keys are required in addition to the traditional car keys made of metal. Key fobs are small transmitter that appears more like a smartphone than an actual car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. It also allows you to start your vehicle remotely.
Certain cars also have the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button, much like Tesla's summon feature. This is useful if you need to get into a tight parking space.
Sometimes, keys to cars stop working at the worst possible moment. You may be at a petrol station, on your way to buy some groceries, or perhaps returning home from an exhausting day. You put your keys down for one second only to realize that you didn't bring a spare key along with you. This can be a nightmare! Luckily, the majority of our stores can repair and provide new key replacements right on the spot.
If your car is equipped with a remote key, it has 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, typically within less than 30 minutes, which is enough time to complete your errands before picking up your car keys.
You will need to bring your current keys in order to have it duplicated at one of our stores. To duplicate the correct key or fob, we will need to know your vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.
If you're having difficulty with your car key, or you're looking to get a spare key made to ensure your safety visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and know-how to design an extra car key that can last a lifetime. Just be sure to keep it somewhere safe!