Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if you've lost your key during grocery shopping or you put it down to grab your coffee, the loss of keys to cars can happen. Keep a spare car key in your possession 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 machines that can duplicate house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. For more information on the process and current prices for keys, check their website.
Valet Keys
Valet keys allow the vehicle to run, but they do not unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are typically 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 cars when the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.
The main reason for having a valet key is to stop theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for rides and the valet keys could act as a deterrent by making it difficult for thieves to take the vehicle. Valet keys can be useful for those who often leave valuables in their car's boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys retain the original function of older key locks and are able to open the door of a driver, but not the lock on the center console or in the trunk. Some high-end luxury vehicles also contain features that increase the security of the valet keys for example, a limit on power output. This stops the vehicle from being started without turning the engine off.
These features are a good start, but the valet key comes with shortcomings. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys and can make use of the bar to force them open. Certain keys for valet also have weaker locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.
In some instances the valet key may not work as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key might stop working suddenly and the owner could require a locksmith to have it replaced. In spare car key cutting of a key malfunction it is crucial to have an extra.
If you're in need of a new 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 get your car key, it is helpful if you have the year and make of the vehicle you are using.
Read the Full Document are simple in design around the edges and are simple for locksmiths to create. They do not have a transponder, and so they don't require encryption. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore more durable. They can also withstand rough handling and harsh usage.
A spare key can save you the hassle of having to rekey your car if you lose it. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easier to locate. You could even leave it with a family member whom you are confident to drive your car if you get locked out.
The majority of hardware stores and national chains of home improvement offer key duplication services for affordable prices. The KeyMe machine is usually found in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also manufacture key fobs that can be used to start cars using push buttons.
Call ahead before going to a store that offers these services. You can also visit their website to see the kinds of keys they can create. Some may not be able to create keys for locks with high security, so you will need to go to a locksmith in those cases.
You'll need to change your smart key at the dealership if you have one. Before they can create you a new key they'll need to prove that you own the vehicle. To do this, they will need evidence of your ownership, such as your registration or title.
If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able to create you a spare key swiftly and at a reasonable cost. They'll be able duplicate your key from the beginning or in a position to give you a blank key that could be programmed to work with your car's security system. You will have to know the year and make of your vehicle in order to have a replacement key.
Transponder Keys
In contrast to traditional keys, which use metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. This microchip transmits the radio signal at a low level when the key is activated. This signal contains an identification number that matches the key code that is stored in the computer of your vehicle. If the correct code is matched the immobilizer in your car disarms, allowing the engine to start.
Transponder keys aren't just more secure, but they also make it more difficult to duplicate keys for cars. Some cars won't start in the event that you use the wrong key (except for those that are not transponder). This is why they are the best option if you wish to reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen or copied.
If you've lost or had your transponder keys stolen, you should get a spare made as soon as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can replace your key fob or create keys that are blank and can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key in order to provide the same functions as your original key.
A transponder key replacement may be an expensive project, but it's often cheaper than paying to have your vehicle towed and retrieved after a theft. It's also 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 as well as other components in your vehicle. They can also make duplicate keys for most kinds and models of automobiles and are therefore the best choice if you require a replacement or lost yours.
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 will also make it easier to locate your car if you are in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a visible area, you can keep it under the dashboard or in a secure compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
In most modern cars, a key fob is required in addition to the traditional metal car keys. The key fob appears like a smartphone, rather than the traditional car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. It also lets you start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars even offer the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button much like Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful when you need to squeeze into a cramped space.
Sometimes, keys to cars aren't working at the most inconvenient possible time. You could be at a gas station, on the way to get groceries, or returning home after a busy day only to realize you forgot the spare key. This can be a huge hassle! Luckily, the majority of our stores can repair and provide new keys immediately.
If your vehicle is equipped with an electronic remote key, it will have a chip that must be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can do this while you wait, usually within less than 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to complete your daily errands, and then pick the keys to your car.
You'll need to bring your current key in order to have it copied at one of our locations. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your car 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 if you want to be secure. We have the tools and experience to create an extra key that will last for the rest of your life. Make sure you keep it in a safe place!