Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to get your cup of coffee, losing car keys happens. Keep a spare car key in your possession and check places where you often leave your keys.
Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication equipment that can copy house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. For more information on the process and current key prices, visit their website.
Valet keys
Valet keys let the vehicle be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are a less expensive option than a standard replacement key. Most often, they are employed by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. They are also used by private parties to gain access to a car if the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.
The main reason for using valet keys is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' vehicles on rides. The valet key acts as an deterrent, making it more difficult to take the car. Valet keys are also beneficial for those who regularly leave valuables in their car's boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys have retained the original function of older key locks, and they can still unlock a door for drivers, but not the lock that is on the center console or in the trunk. Certain luxury cars come with security features like a restricted power output. This prevents the vehicle from being started using the key unless the engine is turned off.
These features are a great starting point but the valet key comes with drawbacks. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and are able to force them open with a bar. In addition, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than those found on regular replacement key fobs.
In some cases valet keys may not work as expected, particularly if it's been damaged or dropped. The key may stop working abruptly and the owner might need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. In the case of a malfunctioning key, it is important to have a spare.
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 a good idea to have the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle when you come in to get a replacement.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple at the edges and are easy for locksmiths to create. They don't come with transponders and do not require encoders. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore are more durable. They also can be able to withstand rough handling and usage.
A spare key can save you the hassle of having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. It is an ideal idea to keep one somewhere separate from your keychain so it is easy to find. You can leave it with someone you trust to drive your car in the event you are locked out.
The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. They usually have a machine called KeyMe where you can easily make copies of your standard keys in minutes. You can locate stores near you by going to their website. Some of them also make key fobs that can be used to start vehicles by pushing buttons.
Contact us prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also search online to find out what kind of keys they are capable of making. Some might not be able of making keys for high-security locks, so you will need to go to a locksmith in these cases.
If you have an electronic key, you will need to obtain an alternative from the dealership. They'll need to 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 will be able to make your replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost of spare car key. They can duplicate the key you have or give you a blank, programmable key. They will need the year, make, and model of your car to do that, so you will need to have this information on hand if you're planning to visit these locations to get your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Unlike traditional keys, which make use of metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. When the key is turned on, this microchip sends a low-level signal. This signal contains the serial number that matches the key code stored in your vehicle's computer. If the correct code is matched, the car's immobilizer system disarms so that the engine can begin.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys also make it more difficult to duplicate your car keys. Some cars won't start if you use a key that is not correct (except for keys that are not transponder). This is why they are the most preferred choice if you want to reduce the possibility that your car will get stolen or copied.
If you have lost or had your transponder keys stolen, you should get a spare car key cut made as soon as possible. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can replace your key fob or create a blank key that can be paired with a switchblade key in order to provide the same functions as the original key.
A transponder key replacement can be expensive However, it's typically less expensive than having your car towed and recovered after theft. It can also be quicker than visiting a dealership.
In addition to being able to replace your lost or broken key an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions and other components in your vehicle. They can also make duplicate keys for most makes and models of cars, so they are an excellent choice if you need a spare key for car cost or lost your keys.
It's important to keep your spare car key in a safe place, not tied to your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally misplacing or losing it, and it will also make finding your car easier when you're in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare keys made near me key in a prominent place, try to keep it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment of your vehicle.
Remote Keys
The majority of modern cars require the use of a key fob in addition to a 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 by pressing a single button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars have the option to "summon" your car by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful for those who need to squeeze into a tight parking space.
Car keys may not work at the most uncomfortable moments. You may be at the gas station, on your route to get groceries, or returning home from a busy day, only to discover that you forgot the spare key for car key. This can be a nightmare! Luckily, the majority of our stores can repair and create new key replacements on the spot.
If your vehicle has a remote key it will have a chip that must be programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate your transponder car key. We can duplicate your transponder car keys while you are waiting. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to run through your routine before picking up the keys.
Bring your key to one of our stores to get it duplicated. To duplicate the correct fob or key we'll require information about your car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.
If you're having difficulty with your car keys, or you're looking to get an extra key for peace of mind, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and know-how to design a spare car key that will last for the rest of your life. Make sure it's secure!