Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if you dropped your car key during a shopping trip or put it away while you were getting your coffee. Make sure to keep an extra key and look over the places where you tend to leave your keys prior to going out.
Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines which can copy house keys, and sometimes keys for cars and key 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 usually a cheaper alternative to a replacement key. They are most often employed 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 get into the car in the event that the remote key fob battery fails.
The primary reason to employ valet services is to deter theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for joyrides, and the valet key can be used as a deterrent, making it harder to steal the vehicle. Valet keys are also useful for those who have valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their cars.
Modern valet keys have remained in 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. Some high-end luxury vehicles also include features that improve the security of the valet key, such as a restricted power output. This stops the vehicle from being started without the engine turning off.
These features are a good start, but the valet key has its shortcomings. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and can open them with the use of a Crowbar. Certain keys for valet also have less secure locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.
In certain situations the valet key may not function as expected particularly if it has been damaged or dropped. The key could cease to function abruptly and the owner may have to contact a professional locksmith to replace it. It is important to ensure that you have a valid spare key in the event of this issue.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require an additional key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. It is helpful to have the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle handy when you visit to get the replacement.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple at the edges and are easy for locksmiths to create. They do not come with an electronic transponder, which means they don't require encoding. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore are more durable. They are also able to endure rough handling and severe use.
A spare key will save you the hassle of having to rekey your car if you lose it. It is an ideal idea 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 whom you are confident to drive your car in the event that you ever get locked out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores provide key duplication at reasonable prices. They typically have a device called KeyMe, which allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys within minutes. You can find a store near you by going to their website. Some of them can also make key fobs for cars that have a push button start.
Contact us prior to visiting a store offering these services. You can also check their website to find out the types of keys that they can make. Some might not be able to make keys for locks with high security, therefore you'll need to go to a locksmith in those cases.
If you have an electronic key, you'll need to obtain a replacement from the dealership. They must verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to create a new key for you. To do this, they'll need evidence of your ownership, such as your registration or title.
If you own a traditional key then you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both of them will be able to create you a spare key swiftly and cost-effectively. They will be able to duplicate your key from the beginning or able to provide you with a blank key that can be programmed to match the car's security system. They will need the year the make, model, 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
Contrary to traditional keys that use metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. This microchip transmits an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. The signal is a digital serial number that matches with the key's code in the car's computer system. If the correct code is matched, the car's immobilizer system disarms, allowing the engine to begin.
Besides providing more security, transponder keys make it more difficult to duplicate your car key. Certain cars won't start in the event that you use a key that is not correct (except for those that are not transponder). As such, they are the most preferred choice if you want to reduce the possibility that your car will get stolen or duplicated.
If you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if they're stolen it is essential to have a replacement key made as soon as possible. Many locksmiths in the automotive industry are able to replace your key fob or create a blank switchblade key that can be paired with your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be expensive However, they are usually cheaper than having your vehicle removed after a theft. In addition, it can be less time-consuming than visiting a dealership.
A locksmith can replace the key that is broken or lost and can also repair your ignition and other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of kinds of models and makes of vehicles which makes them a great option if you need to replace your spare key or lose it.
It's important to keep your spare car keys secure and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally misplacing or losing it in the first place, and will make finding your car easier when you're in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare car keys visible, store it in the car's dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys
Modern cars need keys in addition to the traditional car key. A key fob is a small transmitter that appears more like an iphone than a car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing one button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars offer the option to "summon" your car with a single button press, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is great if you have to squeeze into a tight space.
Sometimes, keys to cars stop working at the worst possible time. You might be at a gas station, on your way to pick up some groceries, or perhaps driving home after an exhausting day. put your keys down for a second and then realize that you forgot to bring a spare key along with you. This can be extremely frustrating! 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's likely to have tiny chips inside that needs to be programmed. get a spare car key of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can do this while you wait, typically in less than 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to run your daily errands, and then pick the keys to your car.
Bring your key to one of our shops to get it duplicated. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct fob or key for your particular car.
If you are having trouble with your car keys, or if you're interested in getting a spare key created for peace of mind visit your local Mister Minit store today. We have the equipment and expertise to make a spare key that will last for a lifetime. Make sure you keep it safe!