Types of Car Spare Keys

Whether you lost your key during grocery shopping or you put it down to go get your coffee, missing car keys happens. 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 equipment which can copy keys to homes, and occasionally car keys and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and more information.

Valet keys

Valet keys let the vehicle run, but do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are a cheaper option than a standard replacement car key. They are typically used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of the customer. They are also employed by private parties to gain access to a vehicle in the event that the remote key fob battery fails to function.

The main reason to use valet services is to deter theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for joy rides, and the valet key can act as a deterrent to make it harder to steal the vehicle. Valet keys are also useful for people who leave valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their cars.

Modern valet keys retain the original functionality of older lock keys. They can open the door to the driver's side however, they cannot open the trunk or console lock. Some luxury vehicles of high-end also have features that enhance the security of the valet key like a limited power output. This stops the vehicle from being started with the key unless the engine has been shut off.

These features are a good beginning but the valet key comes with flaws. For instance, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys, and are able to use a bar to force them open. In addition, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than those on standard replacement key fobs.

In some cases the valet key might not function as intended, especially if it has been damaged or dropped. The key may cease to function abruptly and the owner will have to contact an expert locksmith to replace it. In the event of a key malfunction it is essential to have a spare.

If you're in the need of a new 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 in hand when you come in to get an replacement.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys are simple at the edges and are simple for locksmiths to make. They do not have a transponder, so they do not require the use of encoding. They are typically made from brass or nickel, which makes them more robust and robust. They are also able to handle rough handling and 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 easy to find. You can give it to someone you trust who will drive your car in the event you lock yourself out.

Many hardware stores and national chains of home improvement offer key duplication services for affordable prices. They typically have a machine called KeyMe that allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys within minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also make key fobs for cars that have a push button start.

It is best to make a call 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 therefore you'll need to visit a locksmith in those cases.

You'll need to change your smart key at the dealership if you have one. Before they can make you a new key, they will need to verify that you have the vehicle. They will need evidence of ownership such as the registration or title to prove that.

If you have a traditional key, you can go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both can make your spare keys key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They will be able to duplicate the original key or in a position to give you a blank key that could be programmed to match the car's security system. They will require the year model, make, and year of your car to do that, so you'll need to have this information on hand if you're planning on going to these locations to have your spare key made.

Transponder Keys

In contrast to traditional keys, which make use of metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. When the key is activated, this microchip sends an unintentional signal. The signal contains a serial number which corresponds to the key code stored in your vehicle's computers. 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 difficult to duplicate keys for cars. Certain cars won't start when you use a key that is not correct (except for those that are non-transponder). They are therefore the best option if you are looking to reduce the chance of your car being stolen or copied.

If you lose or have 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 replace the key fob or design an uncut key that can be paired with a switchblade key in order to provide the same functions as your original key.

A transponder key replacement can be expensive however, it's usually less expensive than having your vehicle tow and recovered after theft. It's also quicker than visiting the dealership.

A locksmith can repair or replace your lost or broken key and can also fix your ignition and other car hardware. They can duplicate keys for various kinds of models and makes of vehicles and are an excellent choice if you require replacement of your spare key or lose it.

It is essential to store your spare car key in a safe place, not tied to your keychain. This will stop you from getting it lost or misplaced as well as aid in finding your car in case you're in a rush. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a public location, try keeping it hidden under the dashboard or in a secure compartment of your vehicle.

Remote Keys

In modern vehicles, a key fob is required in addition to traditional metal car keys. A key fob is a small transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.

Certain cars also come with the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is a great option for those who need to get into a congested parking spot.

Sometimes car keys aren't working at the most inconvenient time. You could be at the station, on your route to get groceries, or heading back home after a long day, only to discover that you've lost your spare key. This can be frustrating! Most of our stores can repair and replace keys immediately.

If your car has a remote key, it's likely to have tiny chips inside which needs to be 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 mins, which is plenty of time to complete your errands and then pick up the car keys.

You'll need to bring your current key with you to get it duplicated at one of our stores. We will need to know the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct key/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 have the tools and experience to design a spare keys key that will last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it safe!