Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key when you were grocery shopping or set it down to grab your coffee, missing car keys happens. Keep a spare car key in your possession and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys.
Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can copy house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. For more information and current prices for keys, check their website.
Valet Keys
Valet keys are a kind of spare car key that permits the vehicle to be operated but it isn't able to unlock a trunk or glove box. They are typically a less expensive alternative to a standard replacement key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. However they can also be used by a private party to gain access to the car in case the owner's remote key fob battery fails.
The primary reason to use valet keys is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' cars on joy rides. The valet key acts as a deterrent, making it difficult to steal the car. Valet keys are also beneficial for those who regularly leave valuables in their car's glovebox or boot.
Modern valet keys preserve the original functions of locks from earlier times. They can still open the driver's side door however, they cannot open the trunk or console lock. Some high-end luxury cars also include security features by limiting power output. This prevents the car from starting with the key unless the engine has been turned off.
These features are a good start but the valet key comes with drawbacks. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and can force them open with the help of a bar. Furthermore, some keys for valet have locks that are less secure than those found on normal replacement key fobs.
In certain situations the valet key might not function as expected, especially if it has 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 replace it. It is important to ensure that you have a spare key in the event of this problem.
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 repair your car key, it is important to know the year and model of your vehicle.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple in design around the edges and are simple for locksmiths to make. They do not have a transponder, so they don't require encoding. They are typically made of nickel or brass, making them sturdier and robust. They are also able to handle rough handling and use.
Having a spare key can keep you from losing your car and having to go through the hassle of having to re-key it. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easier to find. You can even leave it with a family member you are confident to drive your car in the event that you get locked out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores provide key duplication at reasonable costs. KeyMe is typically found in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. You can locate stores near your location by checking their website. Some of them can also create key fobs for cars that have a push button start.
Call ahead before visiting a store offering these services. You can also search online to find out what kind of keys they are able to make. Some may not be able to create keys for high-security locks therefore you'll need to go to a locksmith in these cases.
If you have a smart key, you'll need to obtain a replacement from the dealership. They must make sure 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 do that.
If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both can make you a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate your key or provide you with an unprogrammable key that is blank. They will need the year model, make, and year of your car to do that, so you'll want to have that information in your possession if you're planning on going to these locations to get your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Unlike traditional keys, which make use of metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. The microchip sends out a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. The signal is a digital serial number that is matched with the key code stored in your vehicle's computer system. The immobilizer system of the vehicle is turned off when the correct code is found.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys make it more difficult to duplicate your car keys. Some cars won't start in the event that you use a key that is not correct (except for those that are not transponder). They are the most preferred choice when you want to decrease the possibility that your car could be stolen or copied.
If you have lost or had your transponder keys stolen, you should have a replacement made as soon as you can. i need a spare key for my car in the automotive industry can replace your key fob or create a blank switchblade key that can be paired up with your original key.
Transponder key replacements can cost a lot, but they are often cheaper than having your car towing after a theft. It's also less time-consuming than visiting an auto dealer.
A locksmith can repair or replace the key that is broken or lost and can also fix your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can also create duplicate keys for most makes and models of cars which makes them the best choice if you need a new spare or lost your keys.
It is essential to keep your spare car keys safe and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from getting it lost or misplaced in the first place, and will make finding your car easier if you're in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a prominent place, try to keep it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment of your vehicle.
Remote Keys
Most modern cars require keys in addition to the traditional car key. 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 with the press of a button. You can also start your car remotely.
Some cars have the option to "summon" your car by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is a great option when you have to squeeze into a tight parking spot.
Sometimes car keys fail to function at the worst possible time. You might be at a petrol station, en route to buy some groceries, or perhaps returning home from an exhausting day. put your keys down for just a second and then realize that you didn't bring the spare key with you. It can be quite frustrating! Luckily, a majority of our stores can repair and provide new key replacements immediately.
If your vehicle has a remote key it will have a chip that must be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate your transponder car keys. We can duplicate your transponder key while you are waiting. This usually takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to run through your routine before picking keys.
Bring your key to one of our shops to have it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key or fob we'll require information about your car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.
If you're having issues with your car keys, or if you're looking to have an extra key to keep you safe go to your local Mister Minit store today. We have the expertise and tools to make a spare key that will last for a lifetime. Keep it secure!