Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if you dropped your car key while shopping or if you put it away when you went to get your coffee. Make sure to keep an extra key and look over the places where you tend to leave your keys before leaving.

Some supermarkets, such as Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment that can copy car keys and fobs. For more information and current key prices, visit their website.

Valet Keys

Valet keys are a type of spare car key that permits the vehicle to be driven but doesn't unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a replacement key. They are typically employed by hotel valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's car. However, they can also be used by a private party to gain access to the car in the event that the owner's remote key fob battery is not working.

The main reason to use a valet is to prevent theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take cars of customers for rides and the valet keys can be used as a deterrent, making it more difficult to take the vehicle. Valet keys can be beneficial for those who regularly leave valuables in their car boot or glovebox.

Modern valet keys preserve the original function of lock keys from the past. They can still open the door to the driver's side, but not the trunk or console lock. Some high-end luxury cars also include security features by limiting power output. This stops the vehicle from being started with the key unless the engine is switched off.

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

In some cases the valet key may not function as expected in particular if it's been dropped or damaged. The key might cease to function suddenly and the owner could need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. In the event of a key malfunction it is essential to have an extra.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need a new key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it's important to know the YEAR and MAKE of your vehicle.

Traditional Keys

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

A spare key can help you avoid having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. It is recommended to keep one somewhere separate from your keychain to ensure it is easy to locate. You could even leave it with a family member you can trust to drive your car if you need to lock yourself out.

The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. They usually have a machine called KeyMe where you can easily duplicate your standard keys within minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some of them can also make key fobs for cars with push button start.

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 might not be able to make keys for high-security locks, therefore you'll need to visit a locksmith in those cases.

You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you have one. They must make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can create a new key for you. They will require proof of ownership, such as the registration or title to verify that.

If you own a traditional key you can visit an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both can make an exchange key quickly and at a reasonable price. They can duplicate your original key or provide you with an unprogrammable key that is blank. They will need the year model, make, and year of your car to do this, so you'll be required to keep that information handy if you are planning on going to these locations to get your spare keys cut key made.

Transponder Keys

Contrary to traditional keys that utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. When the key is activated the microchip emits an low-level signal. The signal carries a serial number that matches with the key's code in your vehicle's computer system. The immobilizer system in the vehicle is activated when the correct code matches.

Transponder keys are not only more secure, they also make it difficult to duplicate the car key. In fact, certain cars will refuse to start when the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). They are therefore the best choice if you are looking to reduce the chance of your car being taken or copied.

If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if they're stolen it's crucial to have a replacement key made as soon as possible. Many locksmiths in the automotive industry are able to replace your key fob or create an empty switchblade key that can be paired up with your original key.

A transponder key replacement may be an expensive project However, it's typically less expensive than paying to have your vehicle towed and retrieved after a theft. It's also less time-consuming than visiting the dealership.

A locksmith can repair or replace your lost or broken key and also repair your ignition and other car hardware. They can also duplicate keys for many kinds of models and makes of vehicles, so they're an ideal choice if require a replacement for your spare car key maker near me key or lose it.

It's important to keep your spare car keys secure and not on your keychain. This will stop you from accidentally misplacing or losing it, and it will also help you locate your car when you're in a hurry. If you're concerned about leaving your spare car key visible, place it in the car's dashboard or in a hidden compartment.

Remote Keys

In modern vehicles, a key fob is required in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. A key fob is a tiny transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual 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 offer the option to "summon" your car with a single button press similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful when you need spare car key to squeeze into a tight space.

Sometimes car spare key keys fail to function at the worst time. You may be at the station, on the way to get groceries, or heading back home after a long day when you realize that you've lost your spare key. It can be quite frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores are able to repair and create new keys on the spot.

If your car has a remote key, it has a small chip in it which needs to be programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder car keys. We can duplicate your transponder car key while you are waiting. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. You have plenty of time to run around before you pick keys.

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

If you are having trouble with your car keys, 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 expertise to create a spare car key that will last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it secure!