Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key during grocery shopping or you put it down to get your coffee, the loss of keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare key in your bag and be sure to check the areas where you are likely to leave your keys before heading out.
Some supermarkets, like Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment which can copy car keys and fobs. For more information on the process and current key prices, see their website.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a form of car key that allows the vehicle to be operated but does not unlock a trunk or glove box. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a regular replacement key. They are usually employed by hotel valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to the customer's vehicle. They can be employed by private parties to gain access to a vehicle in the event that the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.
The main reason for having valet keys is to prevent theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on joy rides. The valet key acts as an effective deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can also be beneficial for those who regularly leave valuables in their car's boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys have retained the original functionality of the older locks and can open the door of a driver, but not the lock that is on the center console or in the trunk. Certain luxury vehicles have features that improve security, such as a limited power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without turning the engine off.
These features are a great beginning but the valet key has its flaws. For instance, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys and they can use the Crowbar to open them. Some valet keys also have less secure locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.
In certain situations, the valet key may not work as expected in particular if it's been damaged or dropped. The key could be unable to function for a short time and the owner will need to call an expert locksmith to repair it. It is crucial to make sure that you have a valid spare key in case of this issue.
If you're in need of a new car key or have lost your Attendant Key go to your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. When you visit Mister Minit to get your car key, it is important to know the YEAR and MAKE of your vehicle.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple in design at the edges, and are simple for locksmiths to create. They don't come with an electronic transponder, and therefore don't require encoders. They are typically made from nickel or brass, making them sturdier and robust. They can also be able to withstand rough handling and usage.
A spare key will make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car should you lose it. Keep it apart from your keychain to make it easy to locate. You could even leave it with a family member who you trust to drive your car if you need to get locked out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. The KeyMe machine is generally available in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your keys from standard to modern in a matter of minutes. You can find stores near your location by checking their website. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to turn on cars using push buttons.
It is recommended to contact us prior to heading to a shop that offers these services. You can also search online to see what kind of keys they can make. Certain locksmiths might not be able to make keys for high security locks.
If you have a smart key, you will need to purchase a replacement from the dealer. They must confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new one for you. They will need evidence of ownership such as the registration or title to prove that.
If you own a traditional key you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able make an exchange key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate your key or give you an unprogrammable, blank key. They will require the year model, make, and year of your car to do that, so you'll be required to keep that information on hand if you're planning to visit these locations to have your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. The microchip sends out a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. locked key in car no spare contains an identification number that matches the key code that is stored in your vehicle's computer. The immobilizer system of your vehicle is turned off when the correct code matches.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys make it more difficult to duplicate your car key. Some cars won't start in the event that you use the wrong key (except for keys that are non-transponder). They are therefore the best option if want to minimize the risk of your car being stolen or copied.
If you've lost or had lost your transponder keys, you should get a spare made as soon as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can replace your key fob or create keys that are blank and can be paired with a switchblade key to provide the same functions as the original key.
A transponder key replacement can be expensive, but it's often cheaper than having your vehicle tow and recovered following theft. In addition, it can be less time-consuming than visiting the dealership.
In addition to being able to replace your broken or lost keys an automotive locksmith can repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can also create duplicate keys for a variety of kinds and models of automobiles which makes them an excellent choice if you need a new spare or lost your keys.
It's essential to leave your spare car key somewhere safe, and not attached to your keychain. This will help you avoid the risk of losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to locate your car when you're in a hurry. If you are worried about leaving your spare car key visible, store it under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment.
Remote Keys
In the majority of modern cars keys are needed in addition to traditional metal car keys. The key fob appears like a smartphone rather than the traditional car key. A key fob can be used to unlock and lock your car by pressing the button. You can also start your car remotely.
Certain cars allow you to "summon" your car by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is great when you need to squeeze into a tight space.
Sometimes car keys stop working at the worst possible time. You may be at the gas station, on the way to pick up groceries, or returning back home after a long day when you realize that you forgot the spare key. It can be quite frustrating! Most of our stores can repair and replace keys immediately.
If your vehicle is equipped with an electronic remote key, it has a chip that requires programming. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car key. We can do this while you wait, generally within less than 30 minutes which is plenty of time to run your daily errands, and then pick up the car keys.
Bring your key to one of our shops to have 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 require a spare car keys or if you want to be secure. We'll have the tools and expertise to make a spare car key that can last for the rest of your life. Make sure it's secure!