Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if you dropped your car keys during a shopping trip or put it away while you were getting your coffee. Keep an extra car key and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.

Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication equipment that can copy house keys, as well as keys for cars and key fobs. For more information and current key prices, see their website.

Valet keys

Valet keys allow the vehicle to be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are a cheaper option than a regular replacement car key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants and mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. However, they can also be employed by a private party to gain entry into the vehicle in the event that the owner's remote key fob battery is not working.

The main reason for having valet keys is to prevent theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for rides and the valet keys can be used as a deterrent by making it harder to take the vehicle. Valet keys can also be useful for those who have valuables in the boot or glovebox of their cars.

Modern valet keys maintain the original functionality of older lock keys. They are able to open the driver's side door however, they cannot open the console or trunk lock. Certain luxury vehicles come with security features, such as a limited power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without turning the engine off.

While these features are a step in the right direction however, the valet key is not without weaknesses. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs, and can force them open with the help of a bar. Additionally, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than the regular replacement key fobs.

In some cases valet keys may not function as planned especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key could stop working suddenly, and the owner may need to call a locksmith to have it replaced. It is important to ensure that you have a spare key in case of this issue.

If you're in 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 helpful if you have the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys are simple in design around the edges and are easy for locksmiths to make. They do not have an electronic transponder, which means they don't require encryption. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore more durable. They are also able to be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive use.

Having a spare key can keep you from losing your car and going through the trouble of having to re-key it. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easy to find. You can leave it with a friend or family member you trust to drive your car in the event that you ever lock yourself out.

Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores provide key duplication at reasonable costs. KeyMe is typically available at these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also create key fobs for cars that have a push button start.

Contact us prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also search online to find out what kind of keys they can make. Some might not be able to create 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 own one. Before they can make you a new key, they'll need to prove that you have the vehicle. They will need proof of ownership, such as the registration or title to prove that.

If you own a traditional key you can visit an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both can make a spare car key you a spare key quickly and affordably. They'll be able to duplicate the original key, or they will be in a position to give you a blank key that could be programmed to work with your car's system. You'll need to know the year, make and model of your car to be able to get a spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys contain electronic microchips that are built into the head. This is different from traditional keys that use metal contacts to open the lock or to start the vehicle. This microchip transmits a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. The signal contains the serial number that matches the key code stored in your vehicle's computers. When the correct code is found, the car's immobilizer system disarms, Car Spare Keys allowing the engine to begin.

Transponder keys are not only more secure, they also make it difficult to duplicate the car key. Certain cars won't start in the event that you use the wrong key (except for keys that aren't transponder). This is why they are the best option if you want to minimize the risk of your vehicle being stolen or copied.

If you lose or have your transponder keys stolen, you should get a spare made as soon as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can repair the key fob or design a blank key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key in order to provide the same function like the original key.

A transponder key replacement may be expensive however, it's usually less expensive than paying to have your car key spares towed and recovered following theft. Additionally, it can be quicker than going to an auto dealer.

In addition to being able to replace your lost or broken key an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions as well as other parts of your vehicle. They can also make duplicate keys for all makes and models of cars and are therefore a great choice when you need a spare or have lost yours.

It's essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will help you avoid the risk of losing or misplacing it. It will also make it easier to locate your car if you are in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a prominent place, try to keep it hidden beneath the dashboard or in a hidden compartment in your car.

Remote Keys

In modern vehicles, a key fob is required in addition to the traditional keys for cars made of metal. A key fob is a small transmitter that appears more like a smartphone than an actual car key. A key fob is able to unlock and lock your car with the press of the button. You can also start your car remotely.

Certain cars allow you to "summon" your car with a single button press similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful for those who need to squeeze into a tight parking spot.

Sometimes, car keys aren't working at the most inconvenient possible time. You may be at a gas station, on your way to buy some groceries, or perhaps returning home from an exhausting day. You put your keys down for just an instant only to realize you forgot to carry a spare key with you. This can be frustrating! Luckily, the majority of our stores can repair and provide new keys on the spot.

If your vehicle has an electronic remote key, it has a chip that needs to programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can do this while you wait, generally within less than 30 mins which is plenty of time to complete your daily errands, and Car Spare Keys then pick the keys to your car spare key.

Bring your key to one of our shops to have it duplicated. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key or fob for your specific car.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or if you want to feel secure. We'll have the tools and know-how to create a spare car key that will last for the rest of your life. Make sure you keep it safe!