What Experts Say You Should Know

Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if you dropped your car keys during a shopping trip or put it down when you went to get your coffee. Keep a spare keys car key and check places where you often leave your keys.

Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can copy keys to homes, and occasionally keys for cars and key fobs. For more information on the process and current prices for keys, check their website.

Valet Keys

Valet keys are a type of spare car key that permits the vehicle to be driven but does not unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are a cheaper option than a standard replacement car key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the car of the customer. However, they can also be employed by a private party to gain entry into the vehicle in the event that the owner's remote key fob battery fails.

The primary reason for using valets is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on rides. The valet key serves as a deterrent, making it more difficult to take the car. Valet keys are also beneficial for those who regularly leave valuables in their car's glovebox or boot.

Modern valet keys retain the original functions of locks from earlier times. They are able to open the driver's side door however, they cannot open the trunk or console lock. Certain luxury vehicles that are high-end contain features that increase the security of the valet keys, such as a restricted power output. This stops the vehicle from being started without the engine being turned off.

While these features are a step in the right direction but the valet key isn't without flaws. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys, and they can use an bar to force them open. Certain keys for valet also have weaker locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.

In some instances, the valet key may not function as intended particularly if it has been dropped or damaged. The key may stop working suddenly and the owner might need to contact a locksmith to have it replaced. It is crucial to make sure that you have a working spare keys for car key in the event of this happening.

If you're in need spare car key of an additional car key or have lost your Attendant Key go to your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. It is beneficial to have the year and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle when you go in to request the replacement.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys are simple in design at the edges and are easy for locksmiths to make. They don't have a transponder, so they do not require encoding. They are usually made of brass or nickel, making them more robust and robust. They are also able to handle rough handling and use.

A spare key can keep you from losing your car and going through the trouble of re-keying it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easier to find. You can give it to someone you trust who will drive your car in the event you need to lock yourself out.

Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable prices. KeyMe is typically found in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. You can find stores near you by going to their website. Some stores also create key fobs for push button start cars.

It is best to make a call prior to going to a store offering these services. You can also look online to see what kind of keys they can make. Some might not be able to make keys for high-security locks therefore you'll need to find an locksmith in those instances.

If you have a smart key, you'll have to purchase a replacement from the dealer. Before they can create you a new key, they will need to verify that you own the vehicle. To do this, they'll require proof of your ownership such as your registration or title.

If you have an old key, go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able to create you a spare key swiftly and affordably. They can duplicate your key or give you an unprogrammable key that is blank. You will need to know the year and make and model of your vehicle in order to have a replacement key.

Transponder Keys

Contrary to traditional keys that use metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. The microchip sends out a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. This signal contains a serial number which matches the key code that is stored in the computer of your vehicle. The immobilizer system in the vehicle is turned off when the correct code matches.

Transponder keys aren't only more secure, but they also make it harder to duplicate a car key. Some cars will not start when you use a key that is not correct (except for keys that are non-transponder). These keys are the best option if you want to minimize the risk of your vehicle being stolen or copied.

If you lose or have lost your transponder keys, you should have a replacement made as soon as possible. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can repair the key fob or design a blank key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key to provide the same function like the original key.

Transponder key replacements can be expensive, but they are often cheaper than having your car towed after the theft. It's also less time-consuming than visiting the dealership.

In addition to being able to repair or replace the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can also create duplicate keys for most kinds and models of automobiles, so they are a great choice when you require a replacement or have lost your keys.

It's essential to leave your spare car key in a safe place, not tied to your keychain. This will stop you from getting it lost or misplaced 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 prominent area, you can keep it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment of your vehicle.

Remote Keys

In modern vehicles keys are required in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. The key fob appears like a smartphone rather than the traditional car key. A key fob can be used to unlock and lock your car using the button. You can also start your car remotely.

Some cars even come with the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button how much is a spare car key like Tesla's summon feature. This is useful when you need to squeeze into a small space.

Car keys may malfunction at the most uncomfortable moments. You might be at a petrol station, heading to buy some groceries, or simply returning home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for a second and then realize 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 make new keys immediately.

If your vehicle is equipped with remote keys, they has a chip that must be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the necessary equipment to duplicate the transponder key. We can do this while you wait, typically within less than 30 mins which is enough time to complete your errands before picking up the car keys.

You will require bringing your current key with you in order to have it copied at one of our locations. We will need to know 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 keys or you wish to have peace of mind. We have the tools and experience to design keys that last for the rest of your life. Keep it safe!