Types of Car Spare Keys

Whether you lost your key during grocery shopping or you put it down to go get your coffee, missing car keys happens. Be sure to keep an extra key and look over the areas where you are likely to leave your keys before going out.

Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines which can copy keys to homes, and occasionally keys for cars and key fobs. Visit their website for current prices and additional information.

Valet Keys

Valet keys let the vehicle run, but do not unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are less expensive than a standard replacement car key. They are usually used by hotel valet attendants and mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the car of the customer. However, they can also be used by a private party to gain entry into the vehicle in case the owner's remote key fob battery goes out.

The primary reason to employ a valet is to prevent theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for rides, and the valet key can be used as a deterrent to make it difficult for thieves to take the vehicle. Valet keys are also useful for those who keep valuables in the boot or glovebox of their vehicles.

Modern valet keys have remained in the original function of older key locks and are able to open the door of a driver, but not the lock on the center console or in the trunk. Some high-end luxury vehicles also contain features that increase the security of the valet keys like a limited power output. This stops the vehicle from being started using the key unless the engine has been shut off.

These features are a good start but the valet key has its flaws. For example, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys, and are able to use the bar to force them open. Valet keys can also have less secure locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.

In some cases the valet key might not function as intended particularly if it has been dropped or damaged. The key could stop working suddenly and the owner could require a locksmith to have it replaced. It is crucial to make sure that you have a valid spare car key price key in case of this problem.

If you are in need of a new 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 repair your car key, it is helpful if you have the year and model of the vehicle you are using.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys due to their a simple edge design. They don't contain a transponder and therefore don't require encoders. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore are more durable. They also can handle rough handling and use.

A spare key can save you the hassle of having to rekey your car Spare key should you lose it. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easy to find. You can leave it with someone you trust who will drive your car in the event that you are locked out.

Many hardware stores and national chains of home improvement offer key duplication services for affordable costs. They typically have a machine called KeyMe, which allows you to easily make copies of your standard keys within minutes. You can find a store near your location by checking their website. Some of them also make key fobs that can be used to start vehicles using push buttons.

Contact us prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also check their website to see the types of keys that they can make. Some locksmiths may not be able to make keys for locks with high security.

If you have a smart key, you will need to purchase an alternative from the dealership. Before they can make you a new key they'll need to confirm that you own the vehicle. To verify this, they'll require evidence of ownership such as the registration or title.

If you have an old key, visit an auto parts shop or locksmith. Both will be able to create you a spare key quickly and cost-effectively. They can duplicate your key or give you an unprogrammable, blank key. You will have to know the year and make and model of your car to be able to get a replacement key.

Transponder Keys

In contrast to traditional keys, which make use of metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. The microchip emits an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. The signal is a digital serial number that matches with the key code stored in the car's computer system. When the correct code is found, the car's immobilizer system disarms so that the engine can begin.

Transponder keys are not only more secure, but they also make it difficult to duplicate a car key. Some cars will not start when you use a key that is not correct (except for keys that are not transponder). These keys are the best choice if you are looking to reduce the chance of your car being stolen or copied.

If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if they're stolen it's crucial to have a replacement key made as soon as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can swap your key fob or create keys that are blank and can be paired with a switchblade key in order to give you the same functionality as the original key.

Transponder key replacements can be expensive however, it's usually less expensive than paying to have your vehicle tow and recovered following theft. It's also quicker than going to a dealership.

In addition to re-making the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions as well as other components in your vehicle. They can also create duplicate keys for most kinds and models of automobiles, so they are the best choice if you need a spare or lost your keys.

It's important to keep your spare car key in a safe place, not connected to your keychain. This will help you avoid accidentally misplacing or losing it in the first place, and will aid in finding your car when you're in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a visible area, you can keep it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment in your car.

Remote Keys

In modern vehicles keys are required in addition to the traditional metal car keys. Key fobs are small transmitter that looks more like an iPhone than a real car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing a single button. It also lets you start your vehicle remotely.

Some cars have the option to "summon" your vehicle with a single button press similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful if you have to squeeze into a cramped space.

Sometimes car keys stop working at the worst possible moment. You could be at the gas station, on the way to get groceries, or driving home after a busy day when you realize that you've lost your spare key. This can be frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores can repair and provide new key replacements on the spot.

If your vehicle is equipped with a remote key it has a chip that needs to programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car key spare. We can do this while you wait, usually within less than 30 mins which is plenty of time to complete your errands and then pick up your car keys.

Bring your key to one of our stores to get it duplicated. We will need to know the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key/fob for your specific car.

If you're having issues with your car key, or you're interested in getting a spare key car key made to ensure your safety go to your local Mister Minit store today. We have the equipment and expertise to make an extra key that will last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it safe!