Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key when you were grocery shopping or set it down to grab your cup of coffee, losing keys to cars can happen. Keep a spare key in your bag and be sure to check the areas where you are likely to leave your keys prior to leaving.
Certain supermarkets, including Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate keys for cars and fobs. For more information and current prices for keys, check their website.
Valet Keys
Valet keys allow the vehicle to be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are typically a less expensive alternative to a replacement key. They are typically employed by hotel valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to the customer's car. They are also used by private parties to gain access to cars in the event that the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.
The main reason for using valet keys is to deter theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for rides, and the valet key could act as a deterrent to make it harder to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can be beneficial for those who regularly leave valuables in their car's glovebox or in the boot.
Modern valet keys preserve the original functions of lock keys from the past. They can open the driver's side door, but not the trunk or console lock. Certain luxury cars include security features like a restricted power output. This stops the vehicle from being started without the engine being turned off.
While these features are a step in the right direction but the valet key is not without flaws. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and can make them open using a Crowbar. Furthermore, some keys for valet have weaker locks than the regular replacement key fobs.
In some cases, a valet key will not function as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key may stop working suddenly and the owner will have to contact an expert locksmith to repair it. In the case of a malfunctioning key, it is important to have an extra.
If you're in need of an additional car key or have lost your Attendant Key Visit 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 handy when you visit to request a replacement.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily create traditional keys because they have simple edges. They don't have an electronic transponder, and therefore do not require encryption. They are typically made from nickel or brass, making them more robust and durable. They also can withstand rough handling and harsh use.
A spare key can help you avoid from losing your car and going through the trouble of having to re-key it. Keep it apart from your keychain to make it easy to find. You can leave it with a family member whom you trust to drive your car if you get locked out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable costs. KeyMe is typically found in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to start cars with push buttons.
It is recommended to contact us prior to heading to a store offering these services. You can also go to their website to find out the kinds of keys they can make. Some may not be able of making keys for locks with high security, which is why you'll have to visit an locksmith in those instances.
If you have an electronic key, you will need to purchase a replacement from the dealership. They must make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can create a new one for you. They will require evidence of ownership such as the registration or title to prove that.
If you have an old key, go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both can make your spare key quickly and cost-effectively. They can duplicate your key or give you a blank, programmable key. You will have to know the year, make and model of your vehicle in order to have a spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip built into 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 matches with the key's code in your vehicle's computer system. When the correct code is matched, the car's immobilizer system disarms so that the engine can begin.
Besides providing more security, transponder keys make it more difficult to duplicate your car key. In fact, some vehicles will not start if the wrong type of key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). This is why they are the best option if you wish to reduce the chances 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. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can replace your key fob, or make a blank key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade to provide the same functions as the original key.
Transponder key replacements can be costly however, they are typically less expensive than having your car towed after theft. Additionally, it could be faster than visiting the dealership.
In addition to being able to replace the broken or lost key, an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions as well as other hardware in your vehicle. They can also create duplicate keys for most makes and models of cars, so they are an excellent choice if you require a replacement or have lost your keys.
It's essential to leave your spare car keys in a safe place, not tied to your keychain. This will help you avoid accidentally losing or misplacing it, and it will also make finding your car easier if you're in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a public area, you can keep it under the dashboard or in a secure compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
Most modern cars require keys in addition to a traditional car key. A key fob is a small transmitter that looks more like an iphone than a car key. A key fob can be used to unlock and lock your car with the press of an appropriate button. It also allows you to start your vehicle remotely.
Certain cars also come with the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button much like Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful if you have to squeeze into a cramped space.
Car keys may not work at the most difficult moments. You might be at the gas station, or on your way to pick up groceries, or driving back home after a long day, only to discover that you forgot the spare key. This can be very frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores can repair and make new key replacements on the spot.
If your car has a remote key, it's likely to have an embedded chip that must be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder car key. We can duplicate your transponder key while you wait. It usually takes less than 30 minutes. There is plenty of time to do errands before picking keys.
Bring spare key fob to one of our stores to have it duplicated. We will need to know the year, MAKE and MODEL of your car in order to duplicate the correct fob or key for your specific vehicle.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you need a spare car key or if you want to have peace of mind. We have the tools and experience to create an extra key that will last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it safe!