Types of Car Spare Keys

If you've lost your keys while grocery shopping or put it down to grab your cup of coffee, losing keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare car key in your possession and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.

Some supermarkets, such as Save Mart and H-E-B, have a self-service key duplication machine which can copy car keys and fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and other details.

Valet keys

Valet keys let the vehicle run, but do not unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a regular replacement key. They are typically employed by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the car of customers. However, they can also be employed by private parties to get into the car in the event that the remote key fob battery goes out.

The main reason for having valet keys is to stop theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for rides and the valet key can act as a deterrent by making it harder to take the vehicle. Valet keys are also helpful for people who leave valuables in the boot or glovebox of their cars.

Modern valet keys preserve the original functions of locks from earlier times. They can open the driver's side door however, they cannot open the console or trunk lock. Certain luxury vehicles have features that improve security, such as a limited power output. This prevents the vehicle from starting with the key unless the engine is switched off.

These features are a great start but the valet key has its flaws. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and can make them open using the help of a bar. In addition, some valet keys have weaker locks than those on normal replacement key fobs.

In some instances valet keys may not function as planned especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key may be unable to function for a short time and the owner will need to call a professional locksmith to replace it. It is crucial to make sure that you have a working spare key in case of this problem.

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 repair your car key, it is important to know the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys because they have an easy edge design. They do not have a transponder, so they do not require encryption. They are made from brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They can also be able to withstand rough handling and usage.

A spare key can help you avoid having to rekey your car should you lose it. Keep it apart from your keychain to make it easy to find. You can even leave it with a friend or family member you can trust to drive your car if you ever lock yourself out.

Most hardware stores and national chains of home improvement offer key duplication services at affordable costs. The KeyMe machine is usually found in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. You can find an outlet near you by visiting their website. Some stores also create key fobs for push button start cars.

Contact us prior to visiting a store offering these services. You can also go to their website to see the types of keys that they can make. Some may not be able to create keys for high-security locks, so you will need to visit a locksmith in these cases.

You'll need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you have one. They will need to make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they make a new one for you. To do this, they will need evidence of ownership such as the registration or title.

If you have a traditional key, you can go to an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both will be able to make your replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate the key you have or give you an unprogrammable key that is blank. You will need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle to get a replacement key.

Transponder Keys

Unlike traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. When the key is turned on, this microchip sends a low-level signal. The signal carries a serial number that matches with the key code stored in the computer system of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of your vehicle is turned off when the correct code is found.

Besides providing more security, transponder keys also make it more difficult to duplicate your car keys. In fact, certain cars won't start if the wrong type of key spare is used (except for non-transponder keys). They are the best choice if you want to reduce the likelihood that your car will get stolen or copied.

If you've lost or had your transponder keys stolen you should have a replacement made as soon as you can. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can replace your key fob or create an uncut key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade to provide the same function like the original key.

Transponder key replacements can be expensive However, they are usually less expensive than having your Car Spare key towed after the theft. It's also quicker than visiting a dealership.

In addition to being able to replace the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions as well as 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 spare or have lost your keys.

It's essential to keep your spare car keys safe and not on your keychain. This will ensure that you don't risk accidentally losing or misplacing it. It will also make it easier to locate your car if you are in a rush. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a prominent place, try to keep it hidden under the dashboard or in a secret compartment of your vehicle.

Remote Keys

Most modern cars require a key fob in addition to a traditional car key. Key fobs look more like a smartphone rather than an actual car key. A key fob is able to unlock and lock your car using an appropriate button. You can also start your car remotely.

Some cars offer the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is a great option if you need to get into a congested parking space.

Sometimes car keys stop working at the worst time. You may be at the gas station, on your route to pick up groceries, or driving home after a busy day, only to discover that you've forgotten the spare key. This can be very frustrating! Most of our stores are able to repair and replace keys immediately.

If your car has a remote key, it will have a small chip in it that needs to be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder key. We can duplicate your transponder car keys while you wait. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. You have plenty of time to do errands before picking keys.

Bring your key to one of our stores to have it duplicated. We will need to know the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key or fob for your particular car.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you need a spare car key or you wish to feel secure. We have the expertise and tools to make keys that last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it in a safe place!