Types of Car Spare Keys

If you've lost your keys while grocery shopping or put it down to go get your coffee, the loss of keys to your car can happen. Make sure to keep a spare key and check the places where you tend to leave your keys before going out.

Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate keys to homes, and occasionally keys for cars and key fobs. For more information and the latest prices for keys, check their website.

Valet keys

Valet keys are a kind of spare car key that allows the vehicle to be driven, but does not unlock a trunk or glove box. They are typically a less expensive alternative to a replacement key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of a customer. However they can also be employed by private parties to gain entry into the vehicle in the event that the remote key fob battery fails.

The primary reason to use valet keys is to deter theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for joyrides and the valet keys can act as a deterrent to make it more difficult to take the vehicle. Valet keys are also helpful for those who have valuables in the boot or glovebox 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, but not the trunk or console lock. Some high-end luxury cars also come with security features like a restricted power output. This stops the vehicle from being started with the key unless the engine is shut off.

These features are a good start, but the valet key comes with flaws. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs, and can open them with the help of a crowbar. Some valet keys also have weaker locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.

In some cases the valet key may not function as planned, particularly if it's been damaged or dropped. The key may stop working abruptly and the owner could require a locksmith to have it replaced. It is essential to make sure that you have a spare key in the event of this issue.

If you're in the need of a new car key or have lost your Attendant Key, visit your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. When you visit Mister Minit to replace your car key, it's important to know the year and make of the vehicle you are using.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys because they have simple edges. They don't have an electronic transponder, and therefore don't require encryption. They are made of brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They are also able to withstand rough usage and handling.

A spare key can keep you from losing your vehicle and going through the hassle of changing the key. It is an ideal idea to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so that it is easy to find. You can even leave it with a friend or family member who you trust to drive your car in the event that you need to lock yourself out.

Most hardware stores and national chains of home improvement provide key duplication services at affordable costs. They typically have a machine called KeyMe that allows you to easily duplicate your keys in a matter of minutes. You can find an outlet near you by going to their website. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to start cars by pushing buttons.

Make sure to call ahead prior to visiting a store offering these services. You can also check their website to see the kinds of keys they are able to make. Some locksmiths may 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. Before they can issue you a new key, they'll need to confirm that you own the vehicle. To verify this, they will need proof of your ownership such as the registration or title.

If you have an old key spare, go to an auto parts store or locksmith. Both can make you a spare key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate your original key or give you a blank, programmable key. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle to accomplish that, so you will be required to keep that information on hand if you're planning to visit these locations to get your spare car keys cost key made.

Transponder Keys

Contrary to traditional keys that utilize metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. When the key is activated the microchip emits an unintentional signal. The signal contains the serial number that matches the key code stored in the computer of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of your vehicle is activated when the correct code matches.

In addition to providing greater security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car key. In fact, certain cars won't start if the wrong type of key is used (except for non-transponder keys). As such, they are the best choice when you want to decrease the possibility that your car is stolen or copied.

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

A transponder key replacement may be an expensive project However, it's typically less expensive than having your vehicle towed and retrieved after a theft. Additionally, it can be faster than visiting the dealership.

A locksmith can repair or replace your lost or broken key and spare can also fix your ignition and other parts of your vehicle. They can also create duplicate keys for all makes and models of cars which makes them an excellent choice if you need a new spare or have lost your keys.

It's important to keep your spare car key somewhere safe, and not tied to your keychain. This will prevent you from the risk of losing or misplacing it. It will also make it easier to find your car when you're in a rush. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a visible place, try to keep 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 keys for cars made of metal. Key fobs look more like a smartphone than a car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing a single button. It also allows you to start your vehicle remotely.

Some cars have the option to "summon" your car by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful if you need to get into a congested parking space.

Car keys may not work at the most uncomfortable moments. You might be at a gas station, heading to pick up some groceries, or perhaps returning home after a long day when you put your keys down for just an instant only to realize that you forgot to bring the spare key with you. This can be extremely frustrating! Luckily, the majority of our stores are able to repair and make new keys immediately.

If your car is equipped with a remote key, it's likely to have tiny chips inside which needs to be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the necessary equipment to duplicate your transponder key. We can do this while you wait, usually within less than 30 mins, which is plenty of time to run your daily errands, and then pick up your car keys.

Bring your key to one of our stores to get it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key/fob, we will need to know the car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.

If you're having difficulty with your car key or if you're interested in getting a spare key made for peace of mind visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and experience to make a spare car key that can last for a lifetime. Just be sure to keep it somewhere safe!