Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if you dropped your car keys during a shopping trip or put it down while you were getting your coffee. Keep a spare car key and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.

Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines which can copy house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and other details.

Valet Keys

Valet keys are a type of car key that allows the vehicle to be driven but does not unlock a trunk or glove box. They are a cheaper option than a standard replacement car key. They are usually used by hotel valet attendants and mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the car of the customer. They can be employed by private parties to gain access to a car when the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.

The primary reason to employ valets is to stop theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take cars of customers for joy rides, and the valet key can act as a deterrent to make it more difficult to steal the vehicle. Valet keys are also useful for those who often leave valuables in their car's glovebox or in the boot.

Modern valet keys have retained the original functionality of key locks from the past and can open the door of a driver, but not the lock on the central console or 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 prevents the vehicle from being started with the key unless the engine has been turned off.

While these features are an important step in the right direction however, the valet key is not without its shortcomings. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and are able to open them with a bar. Certain keys for valet also have weaker locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.

In some instances the valet key may not work as expected, especially if it has been dropped or damaged. The key might stop working abruptly, and the owner may need to call an locksmith to get it replaced. In the event of a key malfunction it is crucial to have an extra.

If you are in need of a new car key, or have lost your Attendant Key go to your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. It is beneficial to have the YEAR and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle when you visit for an replacement.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys since they have an easy edge design. They don't come with an electronic transponder, and therefore don't require encoders. They are usually made of brass or nickel, which makes them more robust and durable. They also can be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive usage.

Having a spare key can prevent you from losing your car and going through the hassle of re-keying it. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easier to locate. You can give it to someone you trust to drive your car in the event that you are locked out.

The majority of hardware stores and national chains of home improvement provide key duplication services at affordable costs. KeyMe is typically available in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys from standard to modern in a matter of minutes. You can find a store near you by visiting their website. Some of them can also make key fobs for push button start cars.

Contact us prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also check their website to see the kinds of keys they can create. Certain locksmiths might not be able to make keys for high security locks.

If you have a smart key, you'll need to obtain a replacement from the dealer. They'll need to make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to make a new one for you. They will require proof of ownership, such as the registration or title to verify that.

If you have an old key, visit an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both can make your replacement key quickly and at a reasonable price. They can duplicate your original key or provide you with an unprogrammable key that is blank. They will require the year, make, and model of your car to do that, so you will need to have this information handy if you are planning to visit these locations to have your spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Unlike traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. The microchip sends out an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. The signal is the serial number that corresponds to the key code stored in your vehicle's computers. The immobilizer system in the vehicle is activated when the correct code is found.

Besides providing more security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, certain cars won't start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). As such, they are the best choice for those who want to lower the possibility that your car could be stolen or duplicated.

If you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if they're stolen, it's crucial to have a spare key made as quickly as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can swap your key fob, or make an uncut key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key to give you the same functionality as your original key.

Transponder key replacements can be costly however, they are typically less expensive than having your car towed after theft. It's also less time-consuming than going to the dealership.

A locksmith can repair or replace your broken or lost key and also repair your ignition and other car hardware. They can duplicate keys for a variety of types of automobiles and makes which makes them a great option if you require replacement of your spare or lost it.

It's essential to keep your spare keys cut car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from getting it lost or misplaced as well as aid in finding your car keys lost no spare if you're in a hurry. If you are worried about leaving your spare car keys visible, keep it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.

Remote Keys

Modern cars need the use of a key fob in addition to a traditional metal car key. A key fob is a tiny transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. A key fob is able to unlock and lock your car with the press of an appropriate button. It also allows you to start your car remotely.

Some cars offer the option to "summon" your car with a single button press similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful for those who need to get into a congested parking space.

Car keys can sometimes stop working at the most uncomfortable moments. You might be at a gas station, heading to pick up some groceries or just driving home after a long day when you put your keys down for one second only to realize that you didn't carry a spare key with you. This can be a huge hassle! Most of our stores are able to repair and replace keys immediately.

If your car has a remote key it has a chip Key Replacement that needs to programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the necessary equipment to duplicate your transponder keys. We can do this while you wait, usually within less than 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to run your errands before picking up the car keys.

You'll require bringing your current keys to be able to have it copied at one of our stores. To duplicate the correct fob or key we'll need to know the car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or if you want to feel secure. We'll have the tools and expertise to design an extra car key that will last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it somewhere safe!