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Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys when you were grocery shopping or set it down to grab your coffee, missing keys to cars can happen. Keep an extra car key and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys.
Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate keys to homes, and occasionally keys for cars and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and more information.
Valet Keys
Valet keys are a type of car key that allows the vehicle to be driven, but doesn't unlock a trunk or glove box. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a regular replacement key. They are typically used by hotel valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's car. They can be employed by private parties to gain access to a vehicle when the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.
The main reason for using a valet key is to stop theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take cars of customers for joy rides, and the valet key can act as a deterrent to make it harder to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can also be useful for those who keep valuables in the glovebox or boot of their vehicles.
Modern valet keys retain the original function of key locks from the past, and they can still open the door of a driver, but not the lock on the central console or in the trunk. Some luxury vehicles of high-end also contain features that increase the security of the valet key for example, a limit on power output. This prevents the car from being started with the key unless the engine is turned off.
These features are a great start however, the valet key has its shortcomings. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys, and are able to use an Crowbar to open them. In addition, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than those found on regular replacement key fobs.
In some instances the valet key might not function as expected, especially if it has been dropped or damaged. The key may stop working suddenly and the owner may have to call an expert locksmith to repair it. It is important to ensure that you have a valid spare car keys made key in the event of this problem.
If you're in need 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 a good idea to have the YEAR and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle handy when you go in to request an replacement.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple in design at the edges and are easy for locksmiths to make. They don't contain a transponder and therefore do not require encoding. They are made from brass or nickel and are therefore more durable. They are also able to withstand rough usage and handling.
A spare keys made near me key can prevent you from losing your car and having to go through the hassle of re-keying it. It is recommended to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so that it is easy to locate. You could even leave it with a friend or family member who you are confident to drive your car if you need to get locked out.
Many hardware stores and national home improvement chains offer key duplication services at affordable prices. They typically have a machine called KeyMe where you can easily duplicate your keys in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to start cars with push buttons.
Make sure to call ahead prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also search online to find out what kind of keys they can make. Some might not be able of making keys for high-security locks, which is why you'll have to go to an locksmith in those instances.
If you have an electronic key, you'll need to purchase an alternative from the dealership. They'll need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to create a new one for you. To verify this, they will need evidence of ownership like the registration or title.
If you have an old key, you can go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able make you a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They'll be able duplicate your original key, or they will be able to provide you with an uncut key that can be programmed to match the car's key system. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle to accomplish this, so you'll want to have that information handy if you are planning on going to these locations to have your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are microchips that are built into the head. This is different from traditional keys which use metal contacts to unlock the lock or to start the vehicle. When the key is activated by the microchip, it sends a low-level signal. The signal is a digital serial number that matches up with the key code stored in the computer system of your vehicle. If the correct code is matched, the car's immobilizer system disarms, allowing the engine to begin.
In addition to providing greater security, transponder keys make it harder to duplicate your car key. Some cars won't start in the event that you use a key that is not correct (except for those that are not transponder). These keys are the best choice if you wish to reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen or copied.
If you've lost or had lost your transponder keys, you must get a new one created as soon as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can swap your key fob, or make an uncut key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key to give you the same functionality as the original key.
Transponder key replacements can be expensive However, it's typically less expensive than paying to have your car towed and recovered after theft. Additionally, it could be faster than visiting the dealership.
A locksmith can repair or replace your broken or lost key and can also repair your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can also create duplicate keys for a variety of types and makes of vehicles, so they are a great choice when you need a new spare or have lost yours.
It's essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally misplacing or losing it as well as help you locate your car when you're in a hurry. If you are worried about leaving your spare key car car keys visible, store it hidden under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment.
Remote Keys
The majority of modern cars require a key fob in addition to the traditional car key. A key fob is a small transmitter that appears more like an iphone than a car key. A key fob can be used to unlock and lock your car by pressing a button. It also lets you start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars have the option to "summon" your car by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful if you have to squeeze into a small space.
Car keys can sometimes stop working at the most difficult times. You could be at a gas station, en route to get groceries, or perhaps returning home from a long day when you put your keys down for just one second only to realize you forgot to bring the spare key with you. This can be very frustrating! Most of our stores are able to repair and replace keys on the spot.
If your car spare key has a remote key, it will have an embedded chip which needs to be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the equipment needed to duplicate the transponder key. We can duplicate your transponder key while you are waiting. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. You have plenty of time to do through your routine before picking up the keys.
Bring your key to one of our shops to have it duplicated. To duplicate the correct fob or key we'll need to know your vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.
If you're having difficulty with your car keys, or if you're just looking to have a spare key created to keep you safe, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and know-how to make an extra car key that will last a lifetime. Make sure it's safe!