5 Car Spare Key Lessons From The Professionals

Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if dropped your car keys while shopping or if you put it away when you went to get your coffee. 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 duplicate house keys, and sometimes car keys and key fobs. Visit their website for current prices and other details.

Valet Keys

Valet keys are a type of car key that allows the vehicle to be driven but doesn't unlock a trunk or glove box. They are a less expensive option than a regular replacement car key. They are most often employed by hotel valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's vehicle. They are also employed by private parties to gain access to a car when the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.

The main reason for having a valet key is to prevent theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for rides and the valet keys can be used as a deterrent by making it difficult for thieves to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car keys lost no spare glovebox or in the boot.

Modern valet keys have retained the original function of the older locks and are able to unlock a door for drivers, but not the lock on the central console or the trunk. Some high-end luxury vehicles 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 start but the valet key has its drawbacks. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and are able to make them open using the help of a bar. Certain keys for valet also have weaker locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.

In certain situations valet keys may not function as planned especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key could stop working suddenly and the owner may have to call an expert locksmith to repair it. It is essential to make sure that you have a valid spare keys cut key in the event of this problem.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require a new key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to replace your car key, it's beneficial to have the YEAR and MAKE of your vehicle.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys since they have simple edges. They how do i get a spare car key not come with a transponder, so they don't require encryption. They are usually made of nickel or brass, making them more robust and durable. They are also able to handle rough handling and use.

A spare key can prevent you from losing your vehicle and going through the trouble of having to re-key it. It is a good idea to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so it is easy to locate. You can give it to someone you trust who will drive your car in the event that you need to lock yourself out.

Many hardware stores and national chains of home improvement provide key duplication services at affordable prices. The KeyMe machine is usually available in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some stores also manufacture key fobs that can be used to start vehicles using push buttons.

Make sure to call ahead prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also search online to determine what kind of keys they are able to make. Some locksmiths may not be able make keys for locks with high security.

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

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

Transponder Keys

Unlike traditional keys, which make use of metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. This microchip transmits the radio signal at a low level when the key is activated. This signal contains a digital serial number that is matched with the key's code in the computer system of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of the car is disarmed when the correct code matches.

Transponder keys aren't only more secure, they also make it harder to duplicate a car key. In fact, some cars will refuse to start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). This is why they are the most preferred choice if you want to reduce the likelihood that your car will get stolen or duplicated.

If you lose your car transponder chips keys or if they're stolen it's important to have a spare key made as soon as you can. Fortunately, many automotive locksmiths can swap your key fob or create keys that are blank and can be paired with a switchblade key to provide the same functions like the original key.

Transponder key replacements can be expensive However, they are usually less expensive than having your car towed after the theft. It's also quicker than visiting the dealership.

In addition to being able to replace your broken or lost keys an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions as well as other components in your vehicle. They can also duplicate keys for many kinds of models and makes of vehicles, so they're a great option if you require replacement of your spare or lost key.

It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on 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 are worried about leaving your spare car keys visible, store it in the car key locksmith's dashboard or in a hidden compartment.

Remote Keys

In the majority of modern cars, a key fob is required in addition to the traditional keys for cars made of metal. Key fobs look more like a smartphone than an actual car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing a single button. You can also start your car remotely.

Some cars even have the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful in situations where you have to squeeze into a tight space.

Sometimes, car keys fail to function at the worst time. You could be at a gas station, on your way to get groceries, or simply driving home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for a second and then realize that you didn't bring a spare key along with you. It can be quite frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores can repair and provide new key replacements right on the spot.

If your car has an electronic remote key, it has a chip that needs to programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can do this while you wait, generally in less than 30 minutes, which is enough time to complete your errands before picking up your car keys.

Bring your key to one of our stores to have it duplicated. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct key or fob cost for spare car key your specific vehicle.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key maker car key or if you want to have peace of mind. We have the equipment and expertise to create keys that last for a lifetime. Just be sure to keep it somewhere safe!