Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys during grocery shopping or you put it down to go get your coffee, missing car keys happens. Be sure to keep a spare key and check the places where you tend to leave your keys before leaving.
Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate house keys, and sometimes car keys and key fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and other details.
Valet Keys
Valet keys are a kind of spare car key that permits the vehicle to be operated but does not unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are less expensive than a regular replacement car key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants and mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. However they can also be used by a private party to gain entry into the vehicle in case the owner's remote key fob battery fails.
The main reason for having a valet key is to stop theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take cars of customers for joy rides, and the valet key can act as a deterrent by making it more difficult to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can be useful for those who often leave valuables in their car's boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys retain the original functions of locks from earlier times. They can open the door to the driver's side, but not the trunk or console lock. Some high-end luxury vehicles also contain features that increase the security of the valet keys, such as a restricted power output. This will prevent the vehicle from being started without the engine turning off.
These features are a great beginning however, the valet key has its drawbacks. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and are able to force them open with the help of a Crowbar. In addition, some valet keys have weaker locks than the regular replacement key fobs.
In certain situations valet keys may not function as planned especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key could stop working suddenly and the owner might need to call a locksmith to have it replaced. In the event of a key malfunction it is crucial to have an extra.
If you're in the need of a new car key, or have lost your Attendant Key go to your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. It is a good idea to have the YEAR and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle in hand when you visit to get the replacement.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple at the edges, and are easy for locksmiths to make. They don't have a transponder, and so they do not require the use of encoding. They are made from nickel or brass and therefore are more durable. They also can be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive usage.
A spare key can save you the hassle of having to rekey your car if you lose it. Keep it apart from your keychain how to get spare car key make it easy to locate. You could even leave it with a family member you can trust to drive your car in the event that you ever get locked out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable prices. They usually have a machine called KeyMe where you can easily duplicate your standard keys within minutes. You can find stores near you by visiting their website. Some of them can make key fobs to push button start cars.
It is recommended to make a call prior to going to a store offering these services. You can also check online to find out what kind of keys they can make. Some locksmiths may not be able to make keys for locks with high security.
You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you own one. They must make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new one for you. They will require proof of ownership, such as the registration or title to prove that.
If you have a conventional key, you can go to an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both can make an exchange key quickly and at a cost of spare car key that is reasonable. They will be able to duplicate your original key, or they will be in a position to give you a blank key that could be programmed to work with your car's security system. You will be required to know the year, make and model of your vehicle to get a spare key made.
Transponder Keys
In contrast to traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. The microchip sends out an low-level radio signal each time 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 in the vehicle is activated when the correct code is found.
Transponder keys aren't only more secure, but they also make it more difficult to duplicate the car key. In fact, some vehicles won't start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for non-transponder keys). This is why they are the preferred option if you want to reduce the possibility that your car is stolen or copied.
If you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if they're stolen, it's crucial to have a backup key made as soon as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can replace the key fob or design an uncut key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key in order to give you the same functionality like the original key.
Transponder key replacements can be an expensive project, but it's often cheaper than paying to have your vehicle towed and retrieved after a theft. It's also less time-consuming than going how to get spare car keys the dealership.
A locksmith can repair or replace your lost or broken key and can also fix your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can also make duplicate keys for most kinds and models of automobiles which makes them a great choice when you need a new spare or lost your keys.
It is essential to store your spare car key in a safe place, not connected to your keychain. This will prevent you from the risk of losing or misplacing it. It will also make it easier to find your car when you're in a rush. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a public location, try keeping it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
The majority of modern cars require a key fob in addition to a traditional metal car key. A key fob is a small transmitter that looks more like an iPhone than a real car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing a single button. You can also start your car remotely.
Some cars have the option to "summon" your vehicle by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful in situations where you have to squeeze into a small space.
Sometimes car keys stop working at the worst possible time. You could be at the station, on your route to pick up groceries, or returning home from a busy day only to realize you've forgotten the spare key. This can be a nightmare! The majority of our stores are able to repair and replace keys on the spot.
If your vehicle is equipped with a remote key it will have a chip that requires programming. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder keys. We can do this while you wait, typically within less than 30 minutes which is enough time to complete your errands and then pick the keys to your car.
Bring your key to one of our stores to get it duplicated. We will need to know the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct key/fob for your specific vehicle.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you need a spare car key or want to have peace of mind. We'll have the tools and experience to design an extra car key that can last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it safe!