Car Spare Key Tips From The Top In The Industry

Types of car spare keys (click to investigate)

Whether you lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to get your coffee, the loss of car keys happens. Make sure to keep an extra key and look over the areas you like to leave your keys before leaving.

Certain supermarkets, including Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment which can copy car keys and fobs. For more information and current prices for keys, check their website.

Valet keys

Valet keys let the vehicle be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are less expensive than a standard replacement key. They are usually employed by hotel valet attendants and mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. They can be used by private parties to gain access to cars if the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.

The main reason to use valets is to stop theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take cars of customers for rides and the valet keys can act as a deterrent to make it more difficult to take the vehicle. Valet keys are also useful for people who leave valuables in the boot or glovebox of their cars.

Modern valet keys maintain the original functionality of lock keys from the past. They can open the driver's side door however, they cannot open the trunk or console lock. Some high-end luxury cars also include security features like a restricted power output. This stops the vehicle from starting with the key unless the engine is switched off.

These features are a good starting point but the valet key has its flaws. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and are able to make them open using a crowbar. Additionally, some valet keys have weaker locks than those on standard replacement key fobs.

In some instances the valet key may not work as expected, especially if it has been damaged or dropped. The key could stop working suddenly and the owner will need to call a professional locksmith to replace it. In the event of a key malfunction it is crucial to have an extra.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need a new key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to get your car key, it's helpful if you have the year and model of your vehicle.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys are simple at the edges and are easy for locksmiths to create. They don't come with a transponder and therefore don't require encryption. They are made from brass or nickel and therefore are more durable. They also can handle rough handling and use.

Having a spare key can keep you from losing your vehicle and going through the hassle of having to re-key it. Keep it apart from your keychain to make it easy to find. You can leave it with a family member you are confident to drive your car if you get locked out.

Many national chains of home improvement and hardware stores provide key duplication at reasonable prices. They usually have a machine called KeyMe that allows you to easily duplicate your keys in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some stores make key fobs to push button start cars.

Contact us prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also search online to see what kind of keys they can make. Some may not be able of making keys for high-security locks, therefore you'll need to find a locksmith in these cases.

If you have an electronic key, you will need to get an alternative from the dealership. They'll need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can make a new one for you. To verify this, they'll require evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

If you have an old key, visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able to make you a spare key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate your original key or provide you with an unprogrammable key that is blank. You'll have to know the year and make and model of your vehicle in order to have a spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys contain electronic microchips embedded in the head. This is distinct from traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or to start the vehicle. The microchip sends out an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. The signal is a digital serial number that is matched with the key code in the computer system of your vehicle. The immobilizer system in the car is disarmed when the correct code matches.

Transponder keys aren't just more secure, they also make it difficult to duplicate the car key. In fact, some cars won't start if the wrong type of key is used (except for non-transponder keys). As such, they are the most preferred choice if you want to reduce the possibility that your car could be stolen or duplicated.

If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if you lose them, it's important to have a replacement key made as soon as you can. A lot of locksmiths for automotive are able to repair your key fob, or create an empty switchblade key that can be linked with your original key.

Transponder key replacements can cost a lot however, they are typically less expensive than having your car towing after a theft. Additionally, it can be less time-consuming than visiting a dealership.

A locksmith can repair or replace your lost or broken key and can also fix your ignition and other parts of your vehicle. They can also create duplicate keys for most types and makes of vehicles which makes them a great choice when you need a new spare or have lost yours.

It's important to keep your spare car key in a safe place, not attached to your keychain. This will help you avoid the risk of losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to find your car if you are in a hurry. If you're concerned about keeping your spare keys near me car key visible, place it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.

Remote Keys

Modern cars need the use of a key fob in addition to a traditional metal car key. The key fob appears like a smartphone, rather than an actual car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. You can also start your car remotely.

Certain cars also come with the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful in situations where you have to squeeze into a small space.

Sometimes, car keys fail to function at the worst possible moment. You could be at a gas station, heading to buy some groceries, or perhaps returning home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for just an instant only to realize you forgot to bring the spare key with you. It can be quite frustrating! Luckily, car Spare keys a majority of our stores can repair and provide new key replacements right on the spot.

If your vehicle has remote keys, they has a chip which needs to programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder car key. We can do this while you wait, generally within less than 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to run your errands and then pick up your car keys.

Bring your key to one of our shops to get it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key/fob we'll require information about your vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you need a spare car key or want to be secure. We'll have the tools and know-how to get spare key for car to create an extra car key that can last for a lifetime. Keep it safe!