Types of Car Spare Keys

If you've lost your keys during grocery shopping or you put it down to go get your cup of coffee, losing keys to cars can happen. Be sure to keep a spare key in your bag and be sure to check the areas you like to leave your keys prior to going out.

Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can copy keys to homes, and occasionally keys for cars and key fobs. For more information and current key prices, visit their website.

Valet keys

Valet keys allow the vehicle to be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a replacement key. They are most often used by hotel valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's vehicle. However, they can also be employed by private parties to get into the car in case the owner's remote key fob battery goes out.

The primary reason to employ valet services is to deter theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' vehicles on joy rides. The valet key acts as an effective deterrent, making it difficult to take the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who keep valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their cars.

Modern valet keys maintain the original function of lock keys from the past. They are able to unlock the driver's door but not the trunk or console lock. Some luxury vehicles of high-end also have features that enhance the security of the valet keys like a limited power output. This prevents the car from being started using the key unless the engine has been turned off.

While these features are an improvement in the direction, the valet key is not without its weaknesses. For example, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys, and they can use the crowbar to force them open. Valet keys can also have less secure locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.

In some cases the valet key might not function as expected in particular if it's been damaged or dropped. The key may stop working abruptly and the owner could need to call a locksmith to have it replaced. In the event of a key malfunction, it is important to have a spare.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require a new key for your car or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it is important to know the year and make of your vehicle.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys have a simple design at the edges, and are easy for locksmiths to create. They don't come with transponders and don't require encoding. They are made from brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They are also able to withstand rough handling and harsh use.

A spare key can prevent you from losing your car key spares and having to go through the hassle of having to re-key it. It is recommended to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so that it is easy to locate. You can leave it with a family member whom you trust to drive your car in the event that you ever get locked out.

Many hardware stores and national home improvement chains offer key duplication services for affordable costs. They usually have a machine called KeyMe where you can quickly duplicate your standard keys in minutes. You can find stores near you by visiting their website. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to start vehicles using push buttons.

It is recommended to make a call prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also look online to determine what kind of keys they are capable of making. Some may not be able of making keys for high-security locks so you will need to visit an locksmith in those instances.

If you have an electronic key, you'll have to purchase an alternative from the dealership. Before they can issue you a new key, they will need to verify that you have the vehicle. To do this, they'll require proof of your ownership such as the registration or title.

If you have a conventional key then you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able make you a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They will be able to duplicate your original key or capable of providing you with a blank key that can be programmed to match your car's key system. You will need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle in order to have a replacement key.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are microchips that are embedded into the head. This is different from traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or to start the vehicle. The microchip emits an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. The signal is a serial number which matches the key code that is stored in your vehicle's computers. The immobilizer system of your car is disarmed when the correct code matches.

Transponder keys are not only more secure, they also make it more difficult to duplicate a Car Spare key key. Certain cars won't start when you use the wrong key (except for those that are not transponder). As such, they are the most preferred choice when you want to decrease the possibility that your car could be stolen or duplicated.

If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if you lose them, it is essential to have a spare key made as soon as possible. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can repair your key fob or create 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 expensive, but they are often cheaper than having your car towed after theft. It can also be quicker than going to an auto dealer.

In addition to being able to repair or replace your lost or broken key, an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions as well as other components in your vehicle. They can also make duplicate keys for a variety of kinds and models of automobiles which makes them a great choice when you need a spare or have lost yours.

It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and car spare key not on your keychain. This will stop you from accidentally misplacing or losing it in the first place, and will make finding your car easier when you're in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a prominent location, try keeping it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment in your car.

Remote Keys

In most modern cars keys are needed in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. A key fob looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing a single button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.

Some cars even offer the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful if you have to squeeze into a tight space.

Car keys can stop working at the most inconvenient moments. You could be at the gas station, on the way to get groceries, or driving back home after a long day, only to discover that you've lost the spare key. This can be extremely frustrating! Most of our stores are able to repair and replace keys immediately.

If your car is equipped with a remote key, it has a small chip in it which needs to be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the necessary equipment to duplicate the transponder key. We can do this while you wait, generally in less than 30 minutes which is enough time to run 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 to duplicate the correct fob or key for your particular car.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you need a spare car key or you wish to be secure. We'll have the tools and experience to design an extra car key that can last for a lifetime. Make sure you keep it somewhere safe!