5 Car Spare Key Lessons From The Pros

Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if you've lost your key during grocery shopping or you put it down to go get your cup of coffee, losing keys to cars can happen. Be sure to keep a spare key and check the areas where you are likely to leave your keys prior to going out.

Some supermarkets, such as Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment that can duplicate keys for cars and fobs. Visit their website for current prices and more information.

Valet keys

Valet keys are a kind of spare car key that allows the vehicle to be driven, but does not unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are less expensive than a standard replacement car key. They are most often used by hotel valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's vehicle. They are also used by private parties to gain access to cars when the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.

The primary reason to employ a valet is to prevent theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' vehicles on rides. Valet keys act as an effective deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the car. Valet keys are also useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car's boot or glovebox.

Modern valet keys retain the original functions of lock keys from the past. They can still open the driver's side door however, they cannot open the console or trunk lock. Some high-end luxury cars also come with security features by limiting power output. This prevents the vehicle from being started with the key unless the engine has been turned off.

These features are a great beginning however, the valet key comes with shortcomings. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys, and they can use the crowbar to force them open. Some valet keys also have weaker locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.

In some instances the valet key may not function as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key may stop working abruptly and the owner could need to call an locksmith to get it replaced. In the event of a key malfunction, it is important to have a spare.

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. It is a good idea to have the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in hand when you go in to request the replacement.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths can easily create traditional keys because they have simple edges. They don't have an electronic transponder, and therefore do not require encryption. They are made from nickel or brass and therefore are more durable. They are also able to be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive use.

A spare key will help you avoid having to rekey your car should you lose it. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easier to locate. You can leave it with a family member who you can trust to drive your car if you get locked out.

The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. They usually have a machine called KeyMe, which allows you to easily make copies of your keys in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some of them also make key fobs that can be used to turn on cars using push buttons.

Make sure to call ahead prior to going to a shop that offers 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 those cases.

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

If you have a conventional key, you can go to an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able to make you a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate your key or provide you with an unprogrammable key that is blank. You'll have to know the year and make and model of your car to be able to get a Spare Car Keys Made key made.

Transponder Keys

Contrary to traditional keys that utilize metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. When the key is activated by the microchip, it sends an low-level signal. This signal contains a digital serial number that is matched with the key code in the car's computer system. The immobilizer system of the car is disarmed when the correct code matches.

Transponder keys are not only more secure, but they also make it harder to duplicate the car key. In fact, some vehicles won't start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for non-transponder keys). This is why they are the preferred option if you want to reduce the possibility that your car is stolen or duplicated.

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 replace your key fob, or make a blank key that can be paired with a switchblade key in order to provide the same functions as the original key.

Transponder key replacements can be an expensive project however, it's usually less expensive than paying to have your vehicle towed and retrieved after a theft. Additionally, it can be faster than visiting a dealership.

A locksmith can repair or replace the key that is broken or lost and can also repair your ignition and other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for various makes and models of vehicles which makes them an ideal choice if need to replace the spare key or have lost key.

It's important to keep your spare key for my car car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from getting it lost or misplaced, and it will also help you locate your car if you're in a hurry. If you're worried about keeping your spare car key visible, keep it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.

Remote Keys

Most modern cars require keys in addition to a traditional metal car key spare cost key. The key fob appears like a smartphone than a car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. It also lets you start your car remotely.

Some cars even have the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful in situations where you have to squeeze into a small space.

Sometimes car keys fail to function at the worst possible time. You may be at a gas station, on your route to get groceries, or heading back home after a long day, only to discover that you've forgotten your spare key. This can be a nightmare! Most of our stores are able to repair and replace keys immediately.

If your car is equipped with a remote key, it's likely to have tiny chips inside which needs to be programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car key. We can do this while you wait, usually in less than 30 minutes which is enough time to complete your errands and then pick up your car keys.

You'll need to bring your current keys in order to have it duplicated at one of our locations. To duplicate the correct fob or key, we will require information about your vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car keys or want to be secure. We'll have the tools and know-how to get spare car key to design an extra car key that can last a lifetime. Keep it safe!