10 Unexpected Car Spare Key Tips
Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if lost your car keys while shopping or if you put it away when you went to get your coffee. Keep an extra car key and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.
Some supermarkets, like Save Mart and H-E-B, have a self-service key duplication machine which can copy car keys and fobs. For more information and the latest key prices, visit their website.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a kind of spare car key that permits the vehicle to be driven, but does not unlock a trunk or glove box. They are less expensive than a regular replacement car key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants and mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. However, they can also be used by a private party to gain entry into the vehicle in case the owner's remote key fob battery is not working.
The main reason to use valet services is to deter theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for rides and the valet keys can act as a deterrent, making it harder to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can also be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car glovebox or boot.
Modern valet keys have retained the original function of older key locks, and they can still open the door of a driver, but not the lock on the center console or the trunk. Some high-end luxury cars also come with security features like a restricted power output. This stops the vehicle from being started without the engine turning off.
While these features are a step in the right direction, the valet key isn't without its weaknesses. For instance, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys and can make use of an Crowbar to open them. Additionally, some valet keys have weaker locks than the regular replacement key fobs.
In some instances valet keys may not function as planned especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key may cease to function suddenly and the owner could need to call a locksmith to have it replaced. In the event of a key malfunction it is crucial to have a spare.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need an additional key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to replace your car key, it is helpful if you have the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys due to their a simple edge design. They don't come with transponders and do not require encryption. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore more durable. They can also withstand rough usage and handling.
A spare key can save you the hassle of having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easier to locate. You can even leave it with a family member who you can trust to drive your car in the event that you ever lock yourself out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. The KeyMe machine is generally available in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. You can find a store near you by going to their website. Some of them also make key fobs that can be used to turn on cars by pushing buttons.
It is best to contact us prior to heading to a store that offers these services. You can also check their website to see the kinds of keys they are able to make. Certain locksmiths might not be able to make keys for high security locks.
You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you own one. They must make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can create a new key for you. To verify this, they'll need proof of your ownership such as your registration or title.
If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts shop or locksmith. Both will be able to make your replacement key quickly and at a cost of spare car key that is reasonable. They'll be able to duplicate the original key or in a position to give you an uncut key that can be programmed to work with your car's key system. They will need the year model, make, and year of your car to do that, so you will need to have this information handy if you are planning on going to these locations to have your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Unlike traditional keys, which make use of metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. When the key is activated by the microchip, it sends a low-level signal. The signal carries a serial number that is matched with the key's code in the computer system of your vehicle. The immobilizer system in the vehicle is turned off when the correct code matches.
In addition to providing greater security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some cars will not start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). This is why they are the best choice if you want to reduce the possibility that your car could be stolen or duplicated.
If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if they're stolen it's important to have a spare car key cutting near me key made as soon as you can. Many locksmiths in the automotive industry are able to repair your key fob or create a blank switchblade key that can be paired with your original key.
A transponder key replacement may be expensive however, it's usually less expensive than paying to have your car towed and recovered following theft. Additionally, it can be faster than visiting the dealership.
In addition to being able to repair or replace the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith can repair damaged ignitions and other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of kinds of models and makes of vehicles and are a great option if you require replacement of the spare key or have lost it.
It is essential to store your spare car keys near me car key somewhere safe, and not tied to your keychain. This will stop you from accidentally misplacing or losing it, and it will also aid in finding your car if you're in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare car key visible, place it in the car's dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys
Most modern cars require a key fob in addition to a traditional car key. A key fob is a small transmitter that looks more like an iphone than a car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars even offer the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful when you have to get into a congested parking spot.
Car keys can malfunction at the most difficult moments. You may be at a petrol station, heading to get a spare car key made groceries or just driving home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for just one second only to realize that you didn't bring a spare key along with you. It can be quite frustrating! Most of our stores can repair and replace keys immediately.
If your car is equipped with remote keys, they will have a chip that needs to programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the equipment needed to duplicate the transponder key. We can do this while you wait, usually within less than 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to complete your daily errands, and then pick up your car keys.
Bring your key to one of our shops to have it duplicated. We will require the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order 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 be secure. We'll have the tools and experience to create a spare car key that can last a lifetime. Be sure to keep it safe!