Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys when you were grocery shopping or set it down to grab your coffee, missing keys to your car can happen. Keep an extra car key and check places where you often leave your keys.
Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication equipment that can duplicate house keys, as well as keys for cars and key fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and more information.
Valet Keys
Valet keys are a form of spare car key that permits the vehicle to be operated but does not unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a regular replacement key. Most often, they are employed by hotel valet attendants and mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the car of customers. They can be employed by private parties to gain access to a vehicle if the remote key fob battery fails to function.
The primary reason to employ a valet is to prevent theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for joyrides, and the valet key can act as a deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the vehicle. Valet keys are also helpful for people who leave valuables in the boot or glovebox of their cars.
Modern valet keys have remained in the original function of key locks from the past and can unlock a door for drivers, but not the lock on the central console or in the trunk. Certain luxury vehicles include security features like a restricted power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without turning the engine off.
While these features are an improvement in the direction but the valet key isn't without shortcomings. For instance, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys and are able to use an crowbar to force them open. get spare key made near me can also have weaker locks as compared to standard replacement key fobs.
In certain situations, a valet key will not function as planned especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key could be unable to function for a short time and the owner may have to contact an expert locksmith to replace it. It is essential to ensure that you have a working spare key in the event of this issue.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require a new key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. It is a good idea to have the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle handy when you come in to get an replacement.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys because they have a simple edge design. They do not have a transponder, so they do not require encoding. They are made of nickel or brass and are therefore more durable. They also can endure rough handling and severe usage.
A spare key will make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car should you lose it. It is recommended to keep it separate from your keychain so it is easy to find. It is possible to leave it with someone you trust who will drive your car in the event that you need to lock yourself out.
Many national chains of home improvement and hardware stores provide key duplication at reasonable prices. They typically have a machine called KeyMe, which allows you to easily make copies of your keys in a matter of minutes. You can find an outlet near your location by checking their website. Some stores also manufacture key fobs that can be used to start cars with push buttons.
Make sure to call ahead prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also go to their website to see the types of keys that they can create. Some may 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 replace your smart key at the dealership if you own one. They will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to make a new one for you. They will need proof of ownership like the registration or title to verify that.
If you have a traditional key you can visit an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able to make you a spare key swiftly and affordably. They can duplicate your key or give you an unprogrammable, blank key. They will need the year, make, and model of your car to do that, so you'll be required to keep that information on hand if you're planning to visit these locations to get your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are microchips that are embedded into the head. This is distinct from traditional keys which use metal contacts to open the lock or start the vehicle. When the key is turned on by the microchip, it sends a low-level signal. The signal is a digital serial number that is matched with the key's code in the car's computer system. The immobilizer system of your car is disarmed when the correct code matches.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys make it more difficult to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some vehicles will refuse to start if the wrong type of key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). They are therefore 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's crucial to have a replacement key made as quickly as possible. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can replace your key fob or create an uncut key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key in order to provide the same functions as your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be an expensive project however, it's usually less expensive than having your vehicle towed and retrieved following theft. Additionally, it could be faster than visiting the dealership.
In addition to re-making your lost or broken key an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions as well as other components in your vehicle. They can also duplicate keys for many makes and models of vehicles and are a great option if you need to replace the spare key or have lost key.
It is essential to store your spare car keys in a safe place, not attached to your keychain. This will stop you from accidentally losing or misplacing it, and it will also make finding your car easier in case you're in a rush. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a prominent place, try to keep it hidden beneath the dashboard or in a hidden compartment of your vehicle.
Remote Keys
Modern cars need the use of a key fob in addition to a traditional car key. A key fob is a small transmitter that appears more like an iPhone than a real car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars have the option to "summon" your vehicle with a single button press, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful if you have to squeeze into a cramped space.
Sometimes, keys to cars stop working at the worst time. You could be at a petrol station, on your way to pick up some groceries, or simply returning home after an exhausting day. put your keys down for one second only to realize you forgot to bring the spare key with you. This can be frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores can repair and provide new key replacements right on the spot.
If your vehicle is equipped with remote keys, they has a chip which must be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder key. We can duplicate your transponder car keys while you are waiting. This usually takes less than 30 minutes. There is plenty of time to run through your routine before picking keys.
Bring your key to one of our shops to have it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key or fob we'll require information about your car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.
If you're having difficulty with your car key or if you're just looking to have a spare key made for peace of mind, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and expertise to create an extra car key that can last for a lifetime. Just be sure to keep it somewhere safe!