Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to grab your coffee, missing keys to cars can happen. Be sure to keep an extra key and look over the places where you tend to leave your keys prior to going out.
Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication equipment which can copy keys to homes, and occasionally keys for cars and key fobs. For more information and the latest key prices, see their website.
Valet Keys
Valet keys let the vehicle be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are a less expensive option than a standard replacement key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants and mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the car of the customer. However, they can also be used by a private party to get into the car in case the owner's remote key fob battery fails.
The primary reason to employ a valet is to prevent theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' cars on joy rides. The valet key serves as a deterrent, making it difficult to take the car. Valet keys are also useful for those who have valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their vehicles.
Modern valet keys have remained in the original functionality of the older locks, and they can still 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 keys for example, a limit on power output. This stops the vehicle from starting with the key unless the engine has been shut off.
These features are a good start but the valet key comes with drawbacks. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs, and can open them with a bar. Furthermore, some keys for valet have weaker locks than those on standard replacement key fobs.
In certain situations valet keys may not function as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key could stop working suddenly and the owner could need to call a locksmith to have it replaced. In the event of a key malfunction it is crucial to have an extra.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require an additional key for your car or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to replace your car key, it's beneficial to have the YEAR and MAKE of your vehicle.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys due to their simple edges. They do not come with a transponder, and so they don't require encoding. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore more durable. They also can withstand rough usage and handling.
Having a spare key can keep you from losing your vehicle and going through the hassle of having to re-key it. Keep it apart from your keychain to make it easy to locate. You could even leave it with a friend or family member whom you trust to drive your car in the event that you need to get locked out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. They usually have a machine called KeyMe, which allows you to easily duplicate your keys in a matter of minutes. You can locate a store near you by visiting their website. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to start vehicles with push buttons.
Contact us prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also look online to find out what kind of keys they are capable of making. Some might not be able to make keys for high-security locks which is why you'll have to go to a locksmith in those cases.
If you have an electronic key, you'll need to obtain a replacement from the dealership. They will need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new key for you. To verify this, they will need proof of your ownership like the registration or title.
If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able to make you a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable price. They'll be able to duplicate the original key or able to provide you with a blank key that can be programmed to match the car's system. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle to accomplish that, so you'll want to have that information in your possession if you're planning to visit these locations to get your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are electronic microchips that are embedded into the head. This is different from traditional keys which use metal contacts to open the lock or to start the vehicle. This microchip transmits the radio signal at a low level when the key is activated. The signal is the serial number that matches the key code that is stored in the computer of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of the vehicle is activated when the correct code matches.
Besides providing more security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car key. Some cars will not start if you use a key that is not correct (except for those that aren't transponder). They are the most preferred choice for those who want to lower the chance that your vehicle could be stolen or copied.
If you've lost or had lost your transponder keys, you should get a spare created as soon as you can. A lot of locksmiths for automotive are able to repair your key fob, or create an empty switchblade key that can be joined with the original key.
A transponder key replacement may be expensive However, it's typically less expensive than having your car towed and recovered after a theft. Additionally, it can be less time-consuming than visiting an auto dealer.
A locksmith can repair or replace your broken or lost key and can also fix your ignition and other car hardware. They can also create duplicate keys for all types and makes of vehicles and are therefore the best choice if you need a spare or have lost yours.
It is essential to store your spare car keys somewhere safe, and 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 rush. If you're concerned about leaving your spare car keys visible, place it hidden under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment.
Remote Keys
Most modern cars require keys in addition to the traditional car key. Key fobs are small transmitter that appears more like an iphone than a car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing a single button. It also allows you to start your car remotely.
Some cars even offer the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button much like Tesla's summon feature. This is useful if you have to squeeze into a tight space.
Car keys can stop working at the most inconvenient times. You may be at a gas station, en route to get groceries, or perhaps driving home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for one second only to realize that you forgot to bring a spare key along with you. This can be very frustrating! Most of our stores can repair and replace keys immediately.
If your car has a remote key it has a chip that needs to programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car key. We can duplicate your transponder key while you wait. my explanation takes less than 30 minutes. You have plenty of time to complete through your routine before picking up the keys.
Bring your key to one of our stores to get it duplicated. To duplicate the correct fob or key, we will need to know your vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.
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 a spare key that will last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it in a safe place!