Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to go get your coffee, missing keys to your car can happen. Make sure to keep an extra key and look over 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 copy keys to homes, and occasionally keys for cars and key fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and additional information.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a type of car key that permits the vehicle to be driven but doesn't unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are a less expensive option than a regular replacement car key. They are typically utilized by valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's vehicle. However they can also be employed by private parties to get into the car in the event that the owner's remote key fob battery is not working.
The main reason to use valets is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' cars on rides. Valet keys act 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 have remained in the original function of older key locks and are able to open a driver's door but not the lock on the central console or trunk. Some high-end luxury cars also come with security features by limiting power output. This will prevent the vehicle from being started without the engine being turned off.
These features are a good beginning however, the valet key comes with flaws. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and can force them open with the use of a bar. Additionally, some valet keys have weaker locks than those on standard replacement key fobs.
In certain situations the valet key might not function as intended in particular if it's been damaged or dropped. The key could be unable to function for a short time 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.
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. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it is helpful if you have the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys due to their a simple edge design. They do not have a transponder, and so they do not require the use of encoding. They are made of brass or nickel and are therefore more durable. They also can withstand rough usage and handling.
A spare key can prevent you from losing your car and having to go through the trouble of re-keying it. It is recommended to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so that it is easy to find. You could even leave it with a family member you trust to drive your car if you lock yourself out.
Going In this article and national chains of home improvement offer key duplication services for affordable costs. The KeyMe machine is usually found in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some of them also make key fobs that can be used to start vehicles using push buttons.
It is recommended to contact us prior to heading to a store that offers these services. You can also check their website to find out the kinds of keys they can create. Certain locksmiths might not be able to make keys for high security locks.
If you have a smart key, you'll need to obtain an alternative from the dealership. They will need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to make a new one for you. To verify this, they will need proof of your ownership such as your registration or title.
If you have an old key, go to an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able make you a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate the key you have or provide you with an unprogrammable, blank key. They will need the year model, make, and year of your car to do that, so you will want to have that information handy if you are planning on going to these locations to get your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
In contrast to traditional keys, which use metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. When the key is activated the microchip emits an low-level signal. The signal is a serial number which corresponds to the key code stored in your vehicle's computers. If the correct code is found the immobilizer in your car disarms and allows the engine to begin.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys also make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some vehicles will refuse to start when the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). These keys are the best option if are looking to reduce the chance of your car being taken or copied.
If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if they're stolen it's important to have a replacement key made as quickly as possible. A lot of locksmiths for automotive can replace your key fob, or design an empty switchblade key that can be joined with your original key.
A transponder key replacement may be a costly undertaking, but it's often cheaper than having your vehicle towed and retrieved following theft. Additionally, it could be quicker than going to an auto dealer.
A locksmith can replace your lost or broken key and also repair your ignition and other car hardware. They can duplicate keys for a variety of kinds of models and makes of vehicles which makes them an ideal choice if require replacement of your spare key or lose key.
It's essential to keep your spare car keys secure and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from the risk of losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to locate your car if you are in a hurry. If you are worried about keeping your spare car key visible, keep it under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment.
Remote Keys
In most modern cars keys are required in addition to the traditional car keys made of metal. A key fob looks more like a smartphone than a car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car using a button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Certain cars allow you to "summon" your car with a single button press, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful in situations where you have to squeeze into a tight space.
Sometimes, keys to cars fail to function at the worst possible moment. You could be at the station, or on your way to get groceries, or driving back home after a long day when you realize that you forgot the spare key. This can be very frustrating! Most of our stores are able to repair and replace keys on the spot.
If your vehicle has a remote key it has a chip that requires programming. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can do this while you wait, usually within less than 30 minutes which is enough time to complete your daily errands, and then pick up the car keys.
Bring your key to one of our stores to have it duplicated. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key/fob for your particular car.
If you are having trouble with your car keys, or if you're looking to get a spare key created to ensure your safety, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and know-how to make a spare car key that will last for a lifetime. Make sure it's safe!