Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys during grocery shopping or you put it down to grab your coffee, missing keys to cars can happen. Keep a spare car key in your possession and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.
Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines which can copy house keys, as well as keys for cars and key fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and additional information.
Valet keys
Valet keys allow the vehicle to run, but they do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are typically a less expensive alternative to a replacement key. Most often, they are employed by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the car of customers. They are also used by private parties to gain access to cars if the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.
spare key cost for using valet keys is to stop theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for rides and the valet key could act as a deterrent, making it more difficult to take the vehicle. Valet keys are also useful for those who have valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their cars.
Modern valet keys preserve the original function of locks from earlier times. They can open the door to the driver's side however, they cannot open the trunk or console lock. Certain luxury cars have features that improve security by limiting power output. This stops the vehicle from being started using the key unless the engine has been switched off.
While these features are a step in the right direction, the valet key isn't without its shortcomings. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs, and can make them open using the help of a crowbar. Some valet keys also have less secure locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.
In certain situations the valet key may not work as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key might cease to function suddenly, and the owner may need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. It is important to ensure that you have a spare key in the event of this issue.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require an additional key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. It is a good idea to have the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle handy when you come in for the replacement.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple around the edges and are easy for locksmiths to make. They don't contain a transponder and therefore don't require encoders. They are usually made of brass or nickel, which makes them sturdier and robust. They are also able to handle rough handling and use.
A spare key will save you the hassle of having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. It is recommended to keep one somewhere separate from your keychain so that it is easy to find. You can give it to someone you trust to drive your car in the event that you lock yourself out.
The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable prices. They typically have a device called KeyMe where you can easily duplicate your standard keys within minutes. You can locate a store near you by visiting their website. Some of them make key fobs to cars with push button start.
Make sure to call ahead prior to visiting a store offering these services. You can also go to their website to see the types of keys that they can make. Certain locksmiths might not be able to create keys for high security locks.
You'll need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you own one. Before they can make you a new key they will need to verify that you have the vehicle. They will need proof of ownership like the registration or title to do that.
If you have an old key, you can go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able to make you a spare key swiftly and affordably. They can duplicate your key or provide you with an unprogrammable, blank key. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle to accomplish this, so you'll need to have this information handy if you are planning to visit these locations to have your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Unlike traditional keys, which make use of metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. When the key is activated by the microchip, it sends an unintentional signal. The signal is a digital serial number that matches up with the key code stored in the computer system of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of your car is disarmed when the correct code matches.
Transponder keys aren't only more secure, they also make it more difficult to duplicate keys for cars. In fact, some cars will not start if the wrong type of key is used (except for non-transponder keys). They are therefore the best choice if you wish to reduce the chances of your car being stolen or copied.
If you have lost or had lost your transponder keys, you should have a replacement made as soon as you can. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can repair the key fob or design a blank key that can be paired with a switchblade key in order to provide the same functions as your original key.
A transponder key replacement may be a costly undertaking, but it's often cheaper than having your car towed and recovered after theft. It's also quicker than going to a dealership.
A locksmith can replace your broken or lost key and can also repair your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can duplicate keys for a variety of kinds of models and makes of vehicles, so they're an ideal choice if need to replace your spare key or lose key.
It is essential to store your spare car key in a safe place, not connected to your keychain. This will prevent you from getting it lost or misplaced, and it will also help you locate your car in case you're in a rush. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a public place, try to keep it hidden under the dashboard or in a secret compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
Modern cars need the use of a key fob in addition to the traditional car key. A key fob is a tiny transmitter that looks more like an iPhone than a real car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing a single button. It also allows you to start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars even come with the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful when you need to squeeze into a cramped space.
Sometimes, car keys fail to function at the worst possible moment. You may be at the gas station, or on your way to get groceries, or heading back home after a long day only to realize you've lost the spare key. This can be very frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores can repair and provide new keys on the spot.
If your car is equipped with remote keys, they will have a chip that must be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder keys. We can duplicate your transponder car keys while you wait. This usually takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to complete around before you pick up the keys.
Bring your key to one of our stores to have it duplicated. To duplicate the correct fob or key we'll need to know your car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or want to feel secure. We'll have the tools and experience to make a spare car key that can last for the rest of your life. Keep it secure!