Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn’t matter if you lost your car keys during a shopping trip or put it back while you were getting your coffee. Keep an extra key and look over the areas you like to leave your keys prior to leaving.
Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate keys to homes, and occasionally keys for cars and key fobs. Visit their website for current prices and more information.
Valet keys
Valet keys let the vehicle be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are a cheaper option than a regular replacement car key. They are usually employed by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. However, they can also be employed by private parties to gain access to the car in the event that the remote key fob battery is not working.
The primary reason for using a valet is to prevent theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers’ vehicles for joyrides and the valet keys could act as a deterrent to make it more difficult to take the vehicle. Valet keys can be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys maintain the original functionality of older lock keys. They can still open the driver’s side door, but not the trunk or console lock. Certain luxury vehicles include security features by limiting power output. This stops the vehicle from starting with the key unless the engine has been switched off.
While these features are an important step in the right direction but the valet key is not without shortcomings. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and are able to force them open with a Crowbar. Certain keys for valet also have weaker locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.
In certain situations the valet key may not function as expected, especially if it has been damaged or dropped. The key may be unable to function for a short time and the owner will need to call a professional locksmith to replace it. It is crucial to make sure that you have a working spare key in case of this happening.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require a new key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it’s beneficial to have the year and make of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily create traditional keys due to their a simple edge design. They do not have an electronic transponder, which means they do not require the use of encoding. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore more durable. They are also able to handle rough handling and use.
A spare key will save you the hassle of having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easier to locate. You can give it to someone you trust who will drive your vehicle in the event that you lock yourself out.
Most hardware stores and national chains of home improvement offer key duplication services for affordable prices. They usually have a machine called KeyMe where you can quickly duplicate your keys in a matter of minutes. You can locate stores near you by going to their website. Some of them also make key fobs that can be used to turn on cars with push buttons.
It is best to call ahead before heading to a shop that offers these services. You can also visit their website to find out the kinds of keys they can make. Some might not be able to create keys for high-security locks therefore you’ll need to go to a locksmith in these cases.
You’ll need to change your smart key at the dealership if you own one. They will need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they make a new one for you. They will require proof of ownership, such as the registration or title to do that.
If you have an old key, go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both of them will be able to make you a spare key quickly and affordably. They can duplicate your original key or provide you with an unprogrammable, blank key. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your car to do this, so you’ll want to have that information in your possession if you’re planning on going to these locations to have your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that utilize 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 activated by the microchip, it sends an unintentional signal. The signal carries a serial number that matches with the key code stored in the computer system of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of the vehicle is activated when the correct code is found.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys also make it more difficult to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some cars won’t 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 want to minimize the risk of your car being stolen or copied.
If you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if they’re stolen, it is essential to have a spare key made as soon as possible. Fortunately, many automotive locksmiths can replace your key fob, or make an uncut key that can be paired with a switchblade to give you the same functionality as the original key.
Transponder key replacements can cost a lot, but they are often cheaper than having your vehicle towing after a the theft. In addition, it can be faster than visiting a dealership.
A locksmith can repair or replace your lost or broken key and also repair your ignition and other car hardware. They can also create duplicate keys for a variety of kinds and models of automobiles, so they are a great choice when you need a new spare 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 getting it lost or misplaced. 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 hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys
In modern vehicles, a key fob is needed in addition to traditional car keys made of metal. A key fob is a small transmitter that appears more like an iphone than a car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars have the option of “summoning” your vehicle 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 can sometimes stop working at the most inconvenient times. You might be at the station, or on your way to get groceries, or returning back home after a long day, only to discover that you forgot the spare key. This can be frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores can repair and make new keys immediately.
If your Car Spare Key has a remote key, it’s likely to have a small chip in it that must be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit’s locations have the equipment needed to duplicate the transponder key. We can duplicate your transponder key while you are waiting. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. You have plenty of time to do through your routine before picking keys.
You will have to bring your current key with you in order to have it copied at one of our stores. To duplicate the correct key/fob, we will require information about your vehicle’s year, MAKE, and MODEL.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car keys or car spare key want to be secure. We’ll have the tools and know-how to get spare key for car to make a spare car key that will last for a lifetime. Keep it secure!