Types of Car Spare Keys

Whether you lost your key when you were grocery shopping or set it down to get your coffee, missing car keys happens. Keep an extra car key 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 that can copy keys to homes, and occasionally keys for cars and key fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and more information.

Valet keys

Valet keys are a kind of car key that permits the vehicle to be driven but doesn't unlock a trunk or glove box. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a replacement key. They are most often used by hotel valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's car. They can also be employed by private parties to gain access to a car if the remote key fob battery fails to function.

The main reason for having valet keys is to deter theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' cars on rides. The valet key acts as a deterrent, making it difficult to take the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car glovebox or in the boot.

Modern valet keys have remained in the original functions of the older locks, and they can still open a driver's door but not the lock on the central console or trunk. Some high-end luxury vehicles also have features that enhance the security of the valet key like a limited power output. This stops the vehicle from being started without the engine being turned off.

These features are a great start however, the valet key comes with flaws. For instance, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys, and can make use of a bar to force them open. Certain keys for valet also have weaker locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.

In some cases valet keys may not function as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key could be unable to function for a short time and the owner may have to contact an expert locksmith to repair it. In the event of a key malfunction it is crucial to have a spare.

If you are in need of an additional car key or have lost your Attendant Key, visit your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. When you visit Mister Minit to replace your car key, it's important to know the YEAR and MAKE of your vehicle.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys due to their an easy edge design. They don't have a transponder, and so they don't require encoding. They are made of brass or nickel and are therefore more durable. They also can be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive usage.

A spare key can help you avoid from losing your car and having to go through the hassle of having to re-key it. Keep it apart 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 are locked out.

The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores provide key duplication at reasonable prices. KeyMe is typically found in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. You can find a store near you by going to their website. Some of them also make key fobs that can be used to start vehicles with push buttons.

Contact us prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also check their website to see the kinds of keys they can create. Some might not be able to create keys for high-security locks, therefore you'll need to go to a locksmith in these cases.

You'll need to replace your smart key at the dealership, if you own one. They will need to make spare car key sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can make a new one for you. To do this, they will need evidence of your ownership, such as your registration or title.

If you have an old key, visit an auto parts shop or locksmith. Both will be able to make you a spare key swiftly and affordably. They will be able to duplicate your original key or able to provide you with a blank key that could be programmed to match the car's key system. They will require the year, make, and model of your car to do this, so you'll need to have this information on hand if you're planning on going to these locations to get your spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Unlike traditional keys, which use metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. The microchip emits an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. This signal contains a serial number which matches the key code stored in your vehicle's computer. The immobilizer system in the vehicle is activated when the correct code is found.

Besides providing more security, transponder keys also make it much harder to duplicate your car key. In fact, some vehicles will refuse to start if the wrong type of key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). This is why they are the best option if wish to reduce the chances of your car being stolen or copied.

If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if they're stolen it is essential to have a backup key made as quickly as you can. Fortunately, many automotive locksmiths can repair your key fob, or make a blank key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade to provide the same function as your original key.

Transponder key replacements can be an expensive project However, it's typically less expensive than having your vehicle tow and recovered after a theft. Additionally, it could be quicker than going to a dealership.

A locksmith can replace your lost or broken key and can also repair your ignition and other car hardware. They can also make duplicate keys for a variety of types and makes of vehicles which makes them the best choice if you need a spare key for car cost or lost your keys.

It's important to keep your spare car key in a safe place, not attached to your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally misplacing or losing it, and it will also help you locate your car in case you're in a rush. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a prominent location, try keeping it 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. Key fobs are tiny transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing one 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 useful for those who need to get into a tight parking space.

Car keys can sometimes stop working at the most inconvenient moments. You could be at a petrol station, on your way to get groceries, or perhaps returning home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for just one second only to realize you forgot to carry a spare key with you. It can be quite frustrating! The majority of our stores are able to repair and replace keys immediately.

If your car is equipped with a remote key, it has an embedded chip which needs to be programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate your transponder car key. We can duplicate your transponder car keys while you wait. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to complete around before you pick up the keys.

You'll need to bring your current keys in order to have it duplicated at one of our locations. We will need to know the year, MAKE and MODEL of your car in order to duplicate the correct key or fob for your specific vehicle.

If you are having trouble with your car key, or if you're interested in getting a spare key created to keep you safe visit your local Mister Minit store today. We have the equipment and expertise to create a spare key that will last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it somewhere safe!