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. Keep an extra car key and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys.
Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication equipment which can copy house keys, and sometimes car keys and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and more information.
Valet Keys
Valet keys are a type of car key that permits the vehicle to be operated but does not unlock a trunk or glove box. They are a less expensive option than a standard replacement car 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 also be used by private parties to gain access to a car when the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.
The main reason to use valet services is to deter theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' cars on rides. The valet key serves as an effective deterrent, making it difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who have valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their cars.
Modern valet keys have remained in the original function of key locks from the past and are able to open the door of a driver, but not the lock on the central console or in the trunk. Some luxury vehicles of high-end also have features that enhance the security of the valet key for example, a limit on power output. This prevents the vehicle from being started using the key unless the engine has been turned off.
While these features are an important step in the right direction, the valet key isn't without its shortcomings. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and are able to force them open with the help of a crowbar. Additionally, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than those found on regular replacement key fobs.
In some cases valet keys may not work as expected, particularly if it's been damaged or dropped. The key could stop working abruptly, and the owner may need to contact a locksmith to have it replaced. It is important to make sure that you have a valid spare key in the event of this problem.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need a new key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it is beneficial to have the YEAR and MAKE of your vehicle.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple in design at the edges and are easy for locksmiths create. They don't contain an electronic transponder, and therefore don't require encryption. They are made from brass or nickel and are therefore more durable. They also can be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive usage.
A spare key can help you avoid having to rekey your car should you lose it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easy to locate. You can give it to someone you trust to drive your car in the event that you need to lock yourself out.
Most hardware stores and national home improvement chains offer key duplication services for affordable prices. KeyMe is typically found in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. You can find a store near you by visiting their website. Some stores also manufacture key fobs that can be used to start vehicles by pushing buttons.
Make sure to call ahead prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also look online to find out what kind of keys they are able to make. Some may not be able to create keys for high-security locks, so you will need to go to a locksmith in these cases.
If you have a smart key, you will need to purchase an alternative from the dealership. They will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can make a new one for you. To verify this, they'll require evidence of your ownership, such as the registration or title.
If you have an old key, visit an auto parts shop or locksmith. Both will be able make an exchange key quickly and at a reasonable price. They can duplicate your key or give you an unprogrammable key that is blank. You'll be required to know the year, make and model of your vehicle to get a spare key made.
Transponder Keys
In contrast to traditional keys, which make use of metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. When the key is activated the microchip emits a low-level signal. The signal contains a serial number which matches the key code that is stored in your vehicle's computer. If the correct code is found, the car's immobilizer system disarms so that the engine can start.
Besides providing get a spare key made near me , transponder keys also make it more difficult to duplicate your car keys. Some cars will not start when you use the wrong key (except for those that are not transponder). As such, they are the best choice if you want to reduce the chance that your vehicle could be stolen or copied.
If you lose your car transponder chips keys or if they're stolen, it's crucial to have a backup key made as quickly as possible. Many locksmiths in the automotive industry can replace your key fob or create a blank switchblade key that can be paired up with your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be expensive, but it's often cheaper than having your vehicle tow and recovered following theft. It's also less time-consuming than visiting the dealership.
A locksmith can replace your broken or lost key and can also fix your ignition and other car hardware. They can also create duplicate keys for all kinds and models of automobiles and are therefore a great choice when you require a replacement or have lost your keys.
It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe, and not attached to your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally misplacing or losing it, and it will also make finding your car easier if you're in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare car keys visible, keep it in the car's dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys
In the majority of modern cars keys are required in addition to the traditional metal car keys. A key fob is a small transmitter that looks more like an iPhone than a real car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car with the press of an appropriate button. You can also start your car remotely.
Certain cars also offer the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button much like Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful for those who need to squeeze into a tight parking space.
Sometimes, car keys stop working at the worst possible time. You might be at the gas station, on the way to get groceries, or driving home after a busy day, only to discover that you've lost the spare key. This can be very frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores can repair and create new keys on the spot.
If your car has a remote key, it has tiny chips inside that must be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the necessary equipment to duplicate the transponder key. 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.
You will need to bring your current keys in order to have it copied at one of our locations. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct fob or key for your particular car.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car keys or want to have peace of mind. We'll have the tools and experience to create an extra car key that can last a lifetime. Keep it safe!