Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if you dropped your car keys while shopping or if you put it back when you went to get your coffee. 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 machines that can copy house keys, and sometimes keys for cars and key fobs. For more information and current prices for keys, check their website.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a form of car key that permits the vehicle to be operated but doesn't unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are less expensive than a regular replacement car key. They are usually used by hotel valet attendants and mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of the customer. They are also employed by private parties to gain access to a car in the event that the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.
The main reason to use valets is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' cars on rides. The valet key acts as a deterrent, making it difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can also be beneficial for those who regularly leave valuables in their car glovebox or boot.
Modern valet keys have retained 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 the trunk. Certain luxury vehicles that are high-end have features that enhance the security of the valet keys for example, a limit on power output. This prevents the car from being started with the key unless the engine has been turned off.
These features are a great beginning, but the valet key comes with flaws. For instance, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys, and can make use of the crowbar to force them open. In addition, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than those found on regular replacement key fobs.
In certain situations, the valet key may not work as expected particularly if it has been dropped or damaged. The key could cease to function abruptly and the owner will need to call an expert locksmith to repair it. It is important to ensure that you have a spare key in case of this issue.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need an additional key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to replace your car key, it is beneficial to have the year and make of your vehicle.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys because they have simple edges. They do not have a transponder, so they do not require encryption. They are usually made of nickel or brass, making them more robust and robust. They can also be able to withstand rough handling and usage.
Having a spare key can keep you from losing your car and having to go through the trouble of having to re-key it. It is a good idea to keep it in a separate place from your keychain to ensure it is easy to locate. It is possible to leave it with someone you trust to drive your vehicle in the event that you lock yourself out.
Most hardware stores and national home improvement chains offer key duplication services for affordable costs. The KeyMe machine is usually available at these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys from standard to modern in a matter of minutes. You can locate a store near you by going to their website. Some stores also create 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 types of keys that they can make. Some might not be able to make keys for high-security locks so you will need to visit a locksmith in those cases.
You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you have one. They must confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new key for you. They will require proof of ownership like the registration or title to do that.
If you own a traditional key you can visit an auto parts store or locksmith. Both can make your spare key quickly and cost-effectively. They can duplicate the key you have or provide you with an unprogrammable key that is blank. You will need to know the year and make of your vehicle to get an extra key made.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. The microchip sends out the radio signal at a low level when the key is activated. This signal contains the serial number that corresponds to the key code stored in the computer of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of your vehicle is activated when the correct code matches.
Transponder keys aren't just more secure, they also make it more difficult to duplicate the car key. In fact, some cars won't start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for non-transponder keys). This is why they are the most preferred choice for those who want to lower the likelihood that your car will get stolen or copied.
If you lose or have your transponder keys stolen you should get a spare made as soon as possible. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can repair your key fob, or make a blank key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key to provide the same function as the original key.
Transponder key replacements can be expensive, but it's often cheaper than paying to have your car towed and recovered after theft. In addition, it can be faster than visiting an auto dealer.
A locksmith can repair or replace the key that is broken or lost and can also repair your ignition and other car hardware. They can also duplicate keys for many types of automobiles and makes, so they're an ideal choice if need to replace your spare key or lose it.
It's essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and not on your keychain. This will ensure that you don't risk the risk of losing or misplacing it. It will also make it easier to locate your car when you're in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a public location, try keeping it hidden under the dashboard or in a secret compartment of your vehicle.
Remote Keys
In modern vehicles keys are required in addition to the traditional car keys made of metal. 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 by pressing an appropriate button. It also allows you to start your car remotely.
Certain cars allow you to "summon" your vehicle with a single button press, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful if you have to squeeze into a tight space.
Car keys can not work at the most inconvenient moments. You may be at a gas station, on your route to pick up groceries, or heading home from a busy day, only to discover that you've lost the spare key. This can be a huge hassle! The majority of our stores can repair and replace keys on the spot.
If your car has a remote key, it will have a small chip in it 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, generally in less than 30 minutes which is plenty of time to run your errands before picking up the car keys.
You will require bringing your current keys to get 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 need a spare car key or want to feel secure. We'll have the tools and know-how to make a spare car key that can last a lifetime. Be spare car key cutting near me to keep it safe!