Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if lost your car keys while shopping or if you put it back when you went to get your coffee. Keep an extra key and look over the places where you tend to leave your keys prior to going out.

Some supermarkets, such as Save Mart and H-E-B, have a self-service key duplication machine that can duplicate car keys and fobs. For more information on the process and current key prices, see their website.

Valet Keys

Valet keys allow the vehicle to run, but they do not unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are less expensive than a standard replacement car key. They are typically employed by hotel valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to the customer's car. However, they can also be employed by a private party to gain access to the car in the event that the owner's remote key fob battery fails.

The main reason for using a valet key is to deter theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for rides, and the valet key can act as a deterrent to make it difficult for thieves to steal the vehicle. Valet keys are also useful for people who leave valuables in the glovebox or boot of their cars.

Modern valet keys have retained the original functionality of older key locks and can open a driver's door but not the lock on the central console or in the trunk. Certain luxury vehicles come with security features like a restricted power output. This prevents the vehicle from being started with the key unless the engine has been switched off.

These features are a good starting point but the valet key has its flaws. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and are able to make them open using the use of a bar. Valet keys can also have less secure locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.

In some cases, the valet key may not function as intended particularly if it has been damaged or dropped. The key may cease to function suddenly and the owner could need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. 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 and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle handy when you visit to request an replacement.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys due to their a simple edge design. They don't have a transponder and therefore don't require encoding. They are typically made of nickel or brass, making them stronger and more robust. They also can 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 easier to locate. You can leave it with a family member whom you trust to drive your car if you need spare car key to lock yourself out.

Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores provide key duplication at reasonable costs. They typically have a machine called KeyMe where you can easily make copies of your keys in a matter of minutes. You can locate a store near you by going to their website. Some stores also manufacture key fobs that can be used to start cars with push buttons.

Contact us prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also look online to determine what kind of keys they can make. Some might not be able of making keys for locks with high security, which is why you'll have to visit a locksmith in those cases.

You'll need to change your smart key at the dealership, if you own one. Before they can create you a new key they'll need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle. To verify this, they'll require evidence of your ownership, such as the registration or title.

If you have a traditional key you can visit an auto parts store or locksmith. Both of them can make you a spare key Car key swiftly and cost-effectively. They can duplicate your key or give you a blank, programmable key. You will have to know the year and make and model of your vehicle in order to have a spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are electronic microchips that are embedded into the head. This is distinct from traditional keys which use metal contacts to open the lock or start the vehicle. This microchip transmits an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. The signal is a digital serial number that is matched with the key code in the computer system of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of your car is disarmed when the correct code matches.

Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys make it harder to duplicate your car keys. Certain cars won't start in the event that you use a key that is not correct (except for those that are not transponder). As such, they are the preferred option if you want to reduce the likelihood that your car is stolen or duplicated.

If you lose or have lost your transponder keys, you should get a spare made as soon as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can replace your key fob, or make an uncut key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key in order to give you the same functionality as your original key.

Transponder key replacements can cost a lot however, they are typically cheaper than having your vehicle removed after a the theft. It's also quicker than visiting 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 duplicate keys for a variety of kinds of models and makes of vehicles and spare key car are a great option if you need to replace your spare key or lose key.

It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and not on your keychain. This will help you avoid getting it lost or misplaced. It also makes it easier to find your car when you're in a rush. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a visible place, try to keep it hidden beneath the dashboard or in a secret compartment in your car.

Remote Keys

In modern vehicles keys are needed in addition to traditional metal car keys. Key fobs look more like a smartphone, rather than an actual car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing one button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.

Certain cars also come with the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is a great option when you have to squeeze into a tight parking spot.

Sometimes, keys to cars aren't working at the most inconvenient possible time. You might be at a petrol station, on your way to get groceries or just returning home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for just a second and then realize that you didn't bring the spare keys for car key with you. This can be a nightmare! Fortunately, most of our stores can repair and create new keys on the spot.

If your car has an electronic remote key, it will have a chip that requires programming. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the necessary equipment to duplicate the transponder key. We can duplicate your transponder car key while you wait. This usually takes less than 30 minutes. You have plenty of time to do around before you pick keys.

You'll need to bring your current key with you to be able to have it copied at one of our stores. We will require 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 require a spare car keys or want to be secure. We'll have the tools and experience to create an extra car key that can last a lifetime. Keep it secure!