Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys while grocery shopping or put it down to get your cup of coffee, losing keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare car key 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 duplicate house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. Visit their website for current prices and more information.
Valet keys
Valet keys allow the vehicle to run, but they do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a regular replacement key. They are typically used by hotel valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to the customer's car. They can be employed by private parties to gain access to a vehicle in the event that the remote key fob battery fails to function.
The main reason for using valet keys is to stop theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for joy rides and the valet keys could act as a deterrent, making it more difficult to take the vehicle. Valet keys are also useful for those who keep valuables in the boot or glovebox of their cars.
Modern valet keys preserve the original functionality of lock keys from the past. They can still open the driver's side door however, they cannot open the console or trunk lock. Some high-end luxury cars also come with security features like a restricted power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without turning the engine off.
These features are a good starting point, but the valet key comes with shortcomings. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs, and can open them with a bar. Certain keys for valet also have less secure locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.
In some cases, the valet key may not work as expected in particular if it's been damaged or dropped. The key may be unable to function for a short time and the owner will have to contact a professional locksmith to replace it. In the case of a malfunctioning key, it is important 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 get your car key, it's beneficial to have the year and model of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple at the edges and are easy for locksmiths to make. They don't contain an electronic transponder, and therefore don't require encoding. They are made of brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They are also able to withstand rough handling and harsh use.
A spare key can save you the hassle of having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. Keep it apart 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 lock yourself out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable prices. They typically have a machine called KeyMe, which allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys within minutes. You can locate a store near you by going to their website. Some of them also create key fobs for cars with push button start.
Make sure to call ahead prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also check online to find out what kind of keys they are able to make. Certain locksmiths might not be able to make keys for high security locks.
You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you own one. They must confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to create a new one for you. They will require proof of ownership, such as the registration or title to verify that.
If you own a traditional key then you can visit an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able to make your replacement key quickly and at a reasonable price. They'll be able duplicate your key from the beginning, or they will be able to provide you with a blank key that could be programmed to match your car's key system. You will be required to know the year and make and model of your vehicle in order to have a replacement key.
Transponder Keys
In contrast to traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. The microchip emits a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. This signal contains a digital serial number that matches with the key code stored in the computer system of your vehicle. If the correct code is found the immobilizer system of your car disarms and allows the engine to start.
Transponder keys are not only more secure, they also make it difficult to duplicate keys for cars. In fact, certain cars will refuse to start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). This is why they are the best choice if you are looking to reduce the chance of your car being 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 swap your key fob or create a blank key that can be paired with a switchblade key in order to provide the same function as your original key.
Transponder key replacements can cost a lot however, they are typically less expensive than having your car towing after a theft. It's also less time-consuming than visiting a dealership.
In addition to being able to replace your lost or broken key an automotive locksmith can repair damaged ignitions and other parts of your vehicle. They can also create duplicate keys for all types and makes of vehicles and are therefore the best choice if you require a replacement or have lost yours.
It's essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from getting it lost or misplaced, and it will also aid in finding your car when you're in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a prominent place, try to keep it hidden beneath the dashboard or in a secret compartment of your vehicle.
Remote Keys
The majority of modern cars require the use of a key fob in addition to a traditional metal car key. Key fobs are small transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing a single button. You can also start your car remotely.
Some cars even offer the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful if you have to squeeze into a small space.
Car keys can sometimes malfunction at the most inconvenient moments. You may be at a gas station, or on your way to get groceries, or heading home after a busy day when you realize that you've forgotten the spare key. It can be quite frustrating! Luckily, a majority of our stores can repair and create new key replacements immediately.
If your car has a remote key, it has an embedded chip which needs to be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can duplicate your transponder car keys while you are waiting. It usually takes less than 30 minutes. There is lost my car keys no spare of time to run around before you pick up the keys.
You'll need to bring your current keys to be able to have it duplicated at one of our locations. To duplicate the correct fob or key, we will need to know your car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.
If you're having difficulty with your car keys, or you're interested in getting a spare key created for peace of mind visit your local Mister Minit store today. We have the tools and experience to design a spare key that will last for a lifetime. Just be sure to keep it safe!