Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key when you were grocery shopping or set it down to grab your coffee, missing keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare car key in your possession and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys.
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. Visit their website for current prices and additional information.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a form of spare car key that allows the vehicle to be driven but it isn't able to unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are typically a cheaper alternative to a standard replacement key. Most often, they are employed by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of a customer. They can be used by private parties to gain access to cars when the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.
The primary reason to employ a valet is to prevent theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' vehicles on rides. Valet keys act as an deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the car. Valet keys are also useful for those who have valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their cars.
Modern valet keys maintain the original functionality of locks from earlier times. They are able to open the door to the driver's side however, they cannot open the trunk or console lock. Certain luxury cars have features that improve security by limiting power output. This stops the vehicle from being started without the engine turning off.
These features are a great start, but the valet key comes with shortcomings. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys and they can use the crowbar to force them open. Valet keys can also have weaker locks as compared to the standard replacement key fobs.
In certain situations the valet key may not function as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key may stop working abruptly and the owner might require an locksmith to get it replaced. It is crucial to make sure that you have a working spare key in the event of this happening.
If you're in the need of an additional car key or have lost your Attendant Key, visit your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. It is helpful to have the year and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle in hand when you come in to request a replacement.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys have a simple design at the edges and are easy for locksmiths to make. They don't have a transponder, and so they don't require encryption. They are made of nickel or brass and are therefore more durable. They also can be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive usage.
A spare key can help you avoid from losing your car and going through the hassle of changing the key. It is recommended to keep it separate from your keychain so that it is easy to locate. You could even leave it with a friend or family member whom you are confident to drive your car if you ever get locked out.
The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable prices. They typically have a machine called KeyMe, which allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys within minutes. You can locate an outlet near you by going to their website. Some of them also make key fobs that can be used to turn on cars with push buttons.
It is best to call ahead before heading to a shop that offers these services. You can also look online to see what kind of keys they can make. Certain locksmiths might not be able to make keys for locks with high security.
You'll need to replace your smart key at the dealership, if you own one. They must make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can create a new one for you. They will need proof of ownership like the registration or title to prove that.
If you have a conventional key then you can visit an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both of them will be able to create your spare key quickly and cost-effectively. They can duplicate the key you have or provide you with an unprogrammable key that is blank. car key spare near me will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle to accomplish that, so you'll be required to keep that information in your possession if you're planning on going to these locations to have your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys contain electronic microchips that are built into the head. This is different from traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the vehicle. When the key is activated the microchip emits an unintentional signal. The signal is a digital serial number that matches with the key code stored in your vehicle's computer system. The immobilizer system of your vehicle is turned off when the correct code is found.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys also make it more difficult to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some 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 most preferred choice when you want to decrease the likelihood that your car will get stolen or duplicated.
If you've lost or had your transponder keys stolen you should have a replacement made as soon as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can repair your key fob or create a blank key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key to provide the same function like the original key.
Transponder key replacements can be a costly undertaking However, it's typically less expensive than paying to have your vehicle towed and retrieved after theft. It's also quicker than visiting a dealership.
A locksmith can repair or replace your broken or lost key and can also repair your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can also duplicate keys for many types of automobiles and makes which makes them an excellent choice if you need to replace your spare key or lose it.
It's essential to leave your spare car keys in a safe place, not connected to your keychain. This will help you avoid getting it lost or misplaced. It also makes it easier to locate your car if you are in a hurry. If you're concerned about leaving your spare car key visible, place it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys
In most modern cars keys are needed in addition to traditional car keys made of metal. The key fob appears like a smartphone, rather than the traditional car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing a single button. It also lets you start your car remotely.
Some cars offer the option to "summon" your vehicle by pressing a single button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. spare key shop near me is useful if you need to get into a tight parking space.
Car keys may malfunction at the most inconvenient moments. You could be at the gas station, on the way to pick up groceries, or heading home from a busy day when you realize that you forgot the spare key. This can be a nightmare! Luckily, the majority of our stores are able to repair and make new key replacements right on the spot.
If your car is equipped with an electronic remote key, it has a chip which requires programming. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car keys. We can do this while you wait, generally within less than 30 mins which is enough time to complete your daily errands, and then pick up your car keys.
Bring your key to one of our shops to get it duplicated. We will need to know the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct key or fob for your particular car.
If you are having trouble with your car key, or if you're just looking to get a spare key made to keep you safe, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We have the equipment and expertise to create an extra key that will last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it somewhere safe!