Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if dropped your car key during a shopping trip or put it away while you were getting your coffee. Keep an extra car key and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.
Some supermarkets, such as Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment which can copy keys for cars and fobs. For more information and current prices for keys, check their website.
Valet keys
Valet keys allow the vehicle to run, but do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a replacement key. They are typically used by hotel valet attendants and mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. However, they can also be employed by private parties to get into the car in case the owner's remote key fob battery is not working.
The primary reason to employ valet services is to deter theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' cars on fun rides. The valet key serves as a deterrent, making it difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car glovebox or in the boot.
Modern valet keys maintain the original functionality of lock keys from the past. They can still open the driver's side door but not the console lock or trunk lock. Certain luxury vehicles have features that improve security like a restricted power output. This prevents the vehicle from starting with the key unless the engine has been turned off.
While these features are an important step in the right direction, the valet key isn't without flaws. For instance, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys, and can make use of an bar to force them open. In addition, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than those found on normal replacement key fobs.
In some instances, the valet key may not function as expected, especially if it has been dropped or damaged. The key might cease to function suddenly and the owner might need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. In spare key cost of a malfunctioning key, it is important to have an extra.
If you are in 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 beneficial to have the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in hand when you go in to get the replacement.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys have a simple design at the edges, and are easy for locksmiths make. They do not come with a transponder, so they don't require encoding. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore are more durable. They are also able to withstand rough handling and harsh use.
A spare key will 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. It is possible to leave it with someone you trust to drive your car in the event you lock yourself out.
spare key cost of hardware stores and national chains of home improvement provide key duplication services at affordable prices. KeyMe is typically available in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. You can find stores near your location by checking their website. Some of them can also create key fobs for cars with push button start.
Contact us prior to visiting a store offering these services. You can also check their website to find out the types of keys that they can create. Some may not be able to create keys for high-security locks so you will need to visit a locksmith in those cases.
If you have an electronic key, you'll need to obtain an alternative from the dealership. They must verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new key for you. To verify this, they'll require proof of your ownership such as your registration or title.
If you own a traditional key then you can visit an auto parts store or locksmith. spare key maker for cars will be able make you a replacement key quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. They'll be able duplicate your key from the beginning or able to provide you with an uncut key that can be programmed to match the car's key system. They will need the year model, make, and year of your car to do this, so you'll want to have that information on hand if you're planning to visit these locations to get your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that make use of metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. When the key is turned on by the microchip, it sends an unintentional signal. The signal is the serial number that corresponds to the key code stored in your vehicle's computer. If the correct code is matched the immobilizer in your car disarms, allowing the engine to start.
Transponder keys aren't just more secure, but they also make it difficult to duplicate the car key. Some cars will not start if you use a key that is not correct (except for keys that aren't transponder). They are the preferred option when you want to decrease the possibility that your car will get stolen or duplicated.
If you lose your car transponder chips keys or if they're stolen it's crucial to have a spare key made as quickly as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can swap your key fob or create a blank key that can be paired with a switchblade key in order to provide the same function as the original key.
Transponder key replacements can be costly however, they are typically cheaper than having your car removed after a the theft. It's also less time-consuming than going to an auto dealer.
A locksmith can repair or replace your broken or lost key and can also repair your ignition and other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of makes and models of vehicles and are a great option if you require replacement of your spare or lost key.
It is essential to store your spare car key somewhere safe, and not connected to your keychain. This will prevent you from getting it lost or misplaced in the first place, and will help you locate your car if you're in a hurry. If you're concerned about leaving your spare car key visible, place it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys
In the majority of modern cars, a key fob is required in addition to traditional car keys made of metal. The key fob appears like a smartphone rather than an actual car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car by pressing a single button. It also allows you to start your car remotely.
Certain cars allow you to "summon" your vehicle with a single button press similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful in situations where you have to squeeze into a cramped space.
Car keys can sometimes malfunction at the most inconvenient times. You may be at a gas station, on your way to buy some groceries, or simply driving home after a long day when you put your keys down for just an instant only to realize that you didn't carry a spare key with you. This can be frustrating! Most of our stores can repair and replace keys on the spot.
If your car has a remote key it will have a chip that needs to programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder car keys. We can do this while you wait, generally within less than 30 mins, which is plenty of time to complete your errands before picking the keys to your car.
Bring your key to one of our stores to get it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key or fob we'll require information about your car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car keys or you wish to have peace of mind. We'll have the tools and know-how to design an extra car key that can last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it safe!