Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys when you were grocery shopping or set it down to go get your coffee, missing keys to cars can happen. Keep an extra car key and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys.
Some supermarkets, such as Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment which can copy keys for cars and fobs. Visit their website for current prices and other details.
Valet Keys
Valet keys let the vehicle run, but they do not unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are a cheaper option than a standard replacement key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the car of customers. They can be employed by private parties to gain access to cars if the remote key fob battery fails to function.
The primary reason to use a valet key is to deter theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take cars of customers for joyrides and the valet key could act as a deterrent to make it difficult for thieves to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can also be useful for those who keep valuables in the boot or glovebox of their cars.
Modern valet keys retain the original functionality of key locks from the past and can unlock a door for drivers, but not the lock on the center console or trunk. Certain luxury vehicles that are high-end contain features that increase the security of the valet key like a limited power output. This prevents the vehicle from being started using the key unless the engine is shut off.
These features are a good start, but the valet key has its flaws. For instance, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys, and are able to use a bar to force them open. Valet keys can also have less secure locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.
In some cases valet keys may not function as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key may stop working suddenly and the owner will have to contact a professional locksmith to replace it. In the event of a key malfunction it is crucial to have a spare.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require an additional key for your car or lost your Attendant Key. It is beneficial to have the year and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle in hand when you come in to get the replacement.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys because they have a simple edge design. They do not have an electronic transponder, which means they do not require the use of encoding. They are made from brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They can also endure rough handling and severe usage.
A spare key can help you avoid having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. It is an ideal idea to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so it is easy to find. You could even leave it with a family member who you are confident to drive your car if you need to get locked out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable prices. They usually have a machine called KeyMe that allows you to easily make copies of your keys in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some of them can also create key fobs for push button start cars.
Call ahead before going to a store that offers these services. You can also go to 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.
If you have a smart key, you will need to obtain an alternative from the dealership. They will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can create a new key for you. They will require evidence of ownership such as the registration or title to verify that.
If you own a traditional key then you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both of them will be able to make you a spare key swiftly and affordably. They can duplicate your original key or give you an unprogrammable key that is blank. You will need to know the year and make of your car to be able to get a replacement key.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that utilize metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. When the key is turned on the microchip emits an low-level signal. The signal is a serial number which matches the key code stored in the computer of your vehicle. When the correct code is found, the car's immobilizer system disarms, allowing the engine to start.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys make it more difficult to duplicate your car keys. Certain cars won't start in the event that you use the wrong key (except for those that are non-transponder). These keys are the best choice if you are looking to reduce the chance of your vehicle being stolen or copied.
If you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if you lose them, it's important to have a spare key made as soon as you can. Fortunately, many automotive locksmiths can swap your key fob or create a blank key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key to provide the same function like the original key.
A transponder key replacement may be an expensive project however, it's usually less expensive than paying to have your vehicle towed and retrieved after a theft. It's also less time-consuming than going to the dealership.
A locksmith can replace the key that is broken or lost and can also repair your ignition and other car hardware. spare car key replacement can also create duplicate keys for most kinds and models of automobiles, so they are an excellent choice if you need a new spare or have lost yours.
It's essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to locate your car when you're in a rush. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a public location, try keeping it under the dashboard or in a secure compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
The majority of modern cars require the use of a key fob in addition to a traditional car key. Key fobs are tiny transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing a single button. It also lets you start your vehicle remotely.
Certain cars allow you to "summon" your car by pressing a single button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful when you have to get into a tight parking space.
Car keys may malfunction at the most uncomfortable times. You might be at a petrol station, on your way to get groceries, or perhaps returning home after an exhausting day. put your keys down for an instant only to realize that you didn't carry a spare key with you. This can be extremely frustrating! Luckily, a majority of our stores are able to repair and make new key replacements immediately.
If your car is equipped with a remote key, it has tiny chips inside that must be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the equipment needed to duplicate the transponder key. We can duplicate your transponder car keys while you wait. It usually takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to run errands before picking up the keys.
Bring your key to one of our stores to have it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key/fob, we will need to know the vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.
If you're having issues with your car key, or you're looking to have a spare key created to keep you safe, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and know-how to make a spare car key that can last a lifetime. Make sure it's safe!