Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn’t matter if dropped your car keys during a shopping trip or put it down when you went to get your coffee. Be sure to keep an extra key and look over the places where you tend to leave your keys prior to leaving.
Certain supermarkets, including Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment that can copy car keys and fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and other details.
Valet Keys
Valet keys let the vehicle be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are typically a less expensive alternative to a regular replacement key. Most often, they are employed by hotel valet attendants and mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the car of customers. They can be used by private parties to gain access to a vehicle when the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.
The primary reason to employ a valet is to prevent theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers’ vehicles for joy rides and the valet keys can act as a deterrent, making it harder to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can also be useful for those who keep valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their cars.
Modern valet keys maintain the original functions of older lock keys. They are able to open the door to the driver’s side, but not the trunk or console lock. Some high-end luxury cars also include security features by limiting power output. This will prevent the vehicle from being started without the engine turning off.
While these features are an improvement in the direction but the valet key isn’t without flaws. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys, and are able to use a crowbar to force them open. Some valet keys also have less secure locks compared to standard 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 case of a malfunctioning key it is crucial to have a spare.
If you’re in the need of a new car keys spare key, or have lost your Attendant Key go to your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it’s helpful if you have the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily create traditional keys since they have a simple edge design. They don’t have a transponder, so they don’t require encryption. They are made from nickel or brass and are therefore more durable. They also can handle rough handling and use.
Having a spare key can help you avoid from losing your car and having to go through the trouble of changing the key. It is an ideal idea to keep it in a separate place from your keychain to ensure it is easy to locate. You could even leave it with a family member you trust to drive your car if you need to lock yourself out.
The majority of hardware stores and national home improvement chains provide key duplication services at affordable costs. The KeyMe machine is usually found in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. You can find an outlet near your location by checking their website. Some of them make key fobs to cars with push button start.
Contact us prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also visit their website to see the kinds of keys they can create. Some might not be able of making keys for locks with high security, which is why you’ll have to visit a locksmith in those cases.
If you have a smart key, you’ll need to purchase a replacement from the dealership. They’ll need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they make a new one for you. To do this, they will need evidence of ownership such as the registration or title.
If you have an old key, you can go to an auto parts store or locksmith. Both can make you a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable price. They will be able to duplicate the original key, or they will be capable of providing you with an uncut key that can be programmed to work with your car’s key system. You will need spare car key to know the year and make of your vehicle to get 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 embedded in the head of the key. The microchip sends out an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. The signal contains the serial number that matches the key code that is stored in your vehicle’s computer. When the correct code is matched the immobilizer in your car disarms so that the engine can start.
Besides providing more security, transponder keys also make it much harder to duplicate your car key. In fact, some vehicles won’t start if the wrong type of key is used (except for non-transponder keys). They are therefore the best choice if you want to minimize the risk of your car being stolen or copied.
If you lose or have your transponder keys stolen, you must get a new one created as soon as you can. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can repair your key fob, or make an uncut key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key in order to give you the same functionality as the original key.
A transponder key replacement may be expensive, but it’s often cheaper than paying to have your vehicle tow and recovered after a theft. Additionally, it can be less time-consuming than visiting the dealership.
In addition to being able to replace your broken or lost keys an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can also duplicate keys for many kinds of models and makes of vehicles and are a great option if you need to replace the spare key or have lost it.
It’s important to keep your spare car keys safe and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally losing or misplacing it. It will also make it easier to locate your car if you are in a hurry. If you’re worried about leaving your spare key in a public location, try keeping it hidden beneath the dashboard or in a secret compartment of your vehicle.
Remote Keys
In modern vehicles keys are required in addition to the traditional car keys made of metal. A key fob is a tiny transmitter that looks more like an iphone than a car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. It also lets you start your car remotely.
Some cars even offer the option of “summoning” your vehicle by pressing a button similar to Tesla’s summon feature. This is useful for those who need to get into a congested parking space.
Car keys can sometimes not work at the most uncomfortable moments. You might be at the station, on your route to pick up groceries, or returning back home after a long day, only to discover that you forgot the spare key. This can be a huge hassle! Most of our stores can repair and replace keys on the spot.
If your car is equipped with a remote key, it will have a small chip in it that must be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car keys. We can do this while you wait, typically in less than 30 minutes which is enough time to run your errands and then pick up the car keys.
You will need to bring your current keys to be able to have it duplicated at one of our stores. To duplicate the correct key or fob, we will need to know your car’s YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or if you want to be secure. We’ll have the tools and experience to create a spare car key that will last for a lifetime. Make sure it’s safe!