Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if dropped your car key during a shopping trip or put it down while you were getting your coffee. Keep a spare car key in your possession and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys.
Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication equipment that can duplicate house keys, and sometimes keys for cars and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and other details.
Read A lot more let the vehicle run, but do not unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are a less expensive option than a standard replacement car key. They are typically utilized by valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's car. They can also be used by private parties to gain access to a vehicle in the event that the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.
The primary reason to employ valets is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on fun rides. The valet key serves as an deterrent, making it more difficult to take the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys preserve the original function of older lock keys. They can still open the driver's side door but not the console lock or trunk lock. Some luxury vehicles of high-end also include features that improve the security of the valet keys, such as a restricted power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without turning the engine off.
These features are a good beginning however, the valet key has its drawbacks. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys and are able to use the crowbar to force them open. Furthermore, some keys for valet have weaker locks than those on regular replacement key fobs.
In some instances the valet key may not function as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key might stop working abruptly and the owner might need to call an locksmith to get it replaced. In the case of a malfunctioning key it is essential to have an extra.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need a new key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to replace your car key, it's important to know the YEAR and MAKE of your vehicle.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys have a simple design around the edges and are simple for locksmiths to make. They don't have a transponder and therefore do not require encoding. They are made of nickel or brass and are therefore more durable. They can also be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive use.
Having a spare key can help you avoid from losing your car and having to go through the hassle of changing the key. Keep it apart from your keychain to make it easy to locate. You could even leave it with a friend or family member who you can trust to drive your car if you get locked out.
Most hardware stores and national home improvement chains offer key duplication services at affordable prices. The KeyMe machine is usually available in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some of them also make key fobs for cars that have a push button start.
It is recommended to call ahead before heading to a store offering these services. You can also check online to find out what kind of keys they are able to make. Some may not be able of making keys for locks with high security, therefore you'll need to visit a locksmith in those cases.
If you have a smart key, you'll have to obtain an alternative from the dealership. They must make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new key for you. They will need evidence of ownership such as the registration or title to verify that.
If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both can make you a spare key quickly and cost-effectively. They will be able to duplicate your key from the beginning, or they will be capable of providing you with a blank key that could be programmed to work with your car's key system. You will be required to know the year and make of your vehicle to get a replacement key.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that make use of 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 digital serial number that is matched with the key code stored in the computer system of your vehicle. When the correct code is matched, the car's immobilizer system disarms and allows the engine to start.
Transponder keys aren't just more secure, but they also make it harder to duplicate keys for cars. In fact, certain cars won't start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for non-transponder keys). This is why they are the best option if want to minimize the risk of your car being stolen or copied.
If you have lost or had your transponder keys stolen, you should get a spare made as soon as you can. A lot of locksmiths for automotive are able to replace your key fob or create a blank switchblade key that can be joined up with your original key.
Transponder key replacements can cost a lot however, they are typically cheaper than having your vehicle towed after the theft. It's also less time-consuming than visiting a dealership.
A locksmith can replace your broken or lost key and can also fix your ignition and other parts of your vehicle. They can also duplicate keys for many makes and models of vehicles, so they're a great option if you need to replace your spare or lost it.
It is essential to store your spare car key in a safe place, not tied to your keychain. Read A lot more will prevent you from accidentally losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to find your car if you are in a rush. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a public place, try to keep it hidden under the dashboard or in a secure compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
Most modern cars require the use of a key fob in addition to a traditional metal car key. A key fob looks more like a smartphone, rather than an actual car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. It also allows you to start your car remotely.
Some cars have the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is a great option when you have to squeeze into a tight parking spot.
Car keys can sometimes not work at the most inconvenient times. You may be at a petrol station, heading to buy some groceries, or perhaps returning home after a long day when you put your keys down for an instant only to realize you forgot to bring the spare key with you. This can be extremely frustrating! Luckily, a majority of our stores can repair and provide new keys immediately.
If your car is equipped with a remote key, it will have an embedded chip that needs to be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the necessary equipment to duplicate your transponder key. We can duplicate your transponder car key while you are waiting. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to do around before you pick keys.
Bring your key to one of our stores to get it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key/fob we'll need to know the vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car keys or you wish to be secure. We'll have the tools and expertise to create an extra car key that can last a lifetime. Just be sure to keep it safe!