Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if you've lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to get your coffee, the loss of keys to cars can happen. Keep a spare car key in your possession and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.

Certain supermarkets, including Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication machines that can copy keys for cars and fobs. For more information and the latest key prices, see their website.

Valet Keys

Valet keys allow the vehicle to be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are typically a less expensive alternative to a standard replacement key. They are typically employed by hotel valet attendants and mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of a customer. They are also used by private parties to gain access to cars when the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.

The main reason for using a valet key is to prevent theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for Car Spare Keys rides, and the valet key can act as a deterrent by making it difficult for thieves to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car glovebox or in the boot.

Modern valet keys have remained in the original functions of the older locks and are able to unlock a door for drivers, but not the lock that is on the center console or trunk. Certain luxury cars include security features by limiting power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without the engine being turned off.

While these features are an important step in the right direction but the valet key is not without its weaknesses. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys, and can make use of an Crowbar to open them. Certain keys for valet also have weaker locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.

In some cases valet keys may not function as expected, particularly if it's been damaged or dropped. The key may be unable to function for a short time and the owner may have to call an expert locksmith to repair it. In the case of a malfunctioning key it is essential to have a spare.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need an additional key for your car or lost your Attendant Key. It is a good idea to have the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle handy when you visit to request a replacement.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys since they have simple edges. They don't have a transponder, and so they don't require encoding. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore are more durable. They also can be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive usage.

A spare key will make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car should you lose it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easy to find. You can leave it with someone you trust who will drive your car in the event you lock yourself out.

The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores provide key duplication at reasonable costs. The KeyMe machine is usually available at these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some of them can also make key fobs for push button start cars.

Call ahead before going to a shop that offers these services. You can also search online to determine what kind of keys they are capable of making. Some may 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 have one. Before they can make you a new key, they'll need to confirm that you have the vehicle. They will need proof of ownership, such as the registration or title to prove that.

If you have an old key, visit an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both of them can make your spare 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 have to know the year and make spare car key of your vehicle in order to have an extra key made.

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 that is embedded into the head of the key. When the key is turned on, this microchip sends a low-level signal. This signal contains a digital serial number that matches up with the key code stored in the car's computer system. When the correct code is found the immobilizer in your car disarms so that the engine can start.

Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys also make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. Some cars will not start if you use a key that is not correct (except for those that aren't transponder). This is why they are the best option if want to minimize the risk of your car being stolen or copied.

If you lose your car transponder chips keys or if they're stolen it's important to have a backup key made as soon as you can. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can swap your key fob or create keys that are blank and can be paired with a switchblade key to provide the same functions as your original key.

Transponder key replacements can be costly however, they are typically cheaper than having your car removed after a the theft. In addition, it can be less time-consuming than visiting an auto dealer.

A locksmith can repair or replace your lost or broken key and can also repair your ignition and other parts of your vehicle. They can also create duplicate keys for all types and makes of vehicles, so they are the best choice if you need a spare or have lost yours.

It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally losing or misplacing 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 visible place, try to keep it hidden beneath the dashboard or in a secure compartment of your vehicle.

Remote Keys

Most modern cars require a key fob in addition to the traditional car key. Key fobs are small transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car spare key cost with the press of the button. It also lets you start your vehicle remotely.

Some cars have the option to "summon" your vehicle by pressing a single button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is great if you have to squeeze into a small space.

Sometimes, keys to cars stop working at the worst time. You might be at a petrol station, on your way to pick up some groceries, or simply returning home from an exhausting day. You put your keys down for one second only to realize that you forgot to bring a spare key along with you. This can be extremely frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores are able to repair and Car Spare Keys make new key replacements immediately.

If your car is equipped with a remote key, it will have a small chip in it that must be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate your transponder car key. We can do this while you wait, typically within less than 30 mins, which is plenty of time to run your daily errands, and then pick the keys to your car.

You'll need to bring your current keys to be able to have it duplicated at one of our locations. To duplicate the correct key/fob, we will need to know the car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car keys or want to have peace of mind. We have the expertise and tools to make a spare key that will last for the rest of your life. Make sure it's secure!