Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key when you were grocery shopping or set it down to grab your cup of coffee, losing keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare car key and check places where you often leave your keys.
Certain supermarkets, including Save Mart and H-E-B, have a self-service key duplication machine that can copy car keys and fobs. For more information and the latest key prices, visit their website.
Valet Keys
Valet keys allow the vehicle to be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are a cheaper option than a standard replacement car key. They are typically employed by hotel valet attendants and mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of customers. They can also be employed by private parties to gain access to cars in the event that the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.
The main reason for having valet keys is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on rides. The valet key acts as an effective deterrent, making it difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car glovebox or boot.
Modern valet keys preserve the original function of older lock keys. They can still open the driver's side door, but not the console or trunk lock. Certain luxury vehicles that are high-end include features that improve the security of the valet key, such as a restricted power output. This stops the vehicle from being started without turning the engine off.
While these features are an important step in the right direction, the valet key is not without flaws. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs, and can make them open using a Crowbar. In addition, some valet keys have weaker locks than those found on regular replacement key fobs.
In some cases the valet key might not function as expected, especially if it has been damaged or dropped. The key may cease to function abruptly and the owner may have to call an expert locksmith to replace it. In the case of a malfunctioning key it is crucial to have a spare.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need a new key for your car or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to get your car key, it is important to know the year and make of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple around the edges and are easy for locksmiths to create. They don't have a transponder, and so they don't require encryption. They are made of brass or nickel and therefore are more durable. They can also be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive usage.
A spare key will help you avoid having to rekey your car should you lose it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easy to locate. You can even leave it with a friend or family member you can trust to drive your car if you ever get locked out.
Many hardware stores and national home improvement chains offer key duplication services at affordable prices. They typically have a device called KeyMe where you can easily duplicate your keys in a matter of minutes. You can find a store near you by visiting their website. Some of them also make key fobs that can be used to start vehicles with push buttons.
Call ahead before visiting a store offering these services. You can also visit their website to find out the types of keys that they can make. Some might not be able to make keys for high-security locks therefore you'll need to go to a locksmith in those cases.
If you have a smart key, you will need to purchase an alternative from the dealership. Before they can create you a new key, they'll need to prove that you own the vehicle. To do this, they'll need proof of your ownership like the registration or title.
If relevant web site own a traditional key you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able make your replacement key quickly and at a reasonable price. They'll be able duplicate your key from the beginning, or they will be capable of providing you with a blank key that can be programmed to work with your car's system. You will have to know the year and make and model of your car to be able to get a replacement key.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are microchips embedded in the head. This is different from traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or to start the vehicle. The microchip emits the radio signal at a low level when the key is activated. The signal carries a serial number that is matched with the key code stored in your vehicle's computer system. When the correct code is matched the immobilizer in your car disarms so that the engine can begin.
Transponder keys are not only more secure, they also make it difficult to duplicate a car key. Some cars won't start in the event that you use a key that is not correct (except for those that aren't transponder). As such, they are the best choice when you want to decrease the likelihood that your car is stolen or duplicated.
If spare renault key card lose your car transponder chips keys or if you lose them, it's important to have a replacement key made as quickly as possible. A lot of locksmiths for automotive can replace your key fob or create a blank switchblade key that can be paired with your original key.
A transponder key replacement can be an expensive project however, it's usually less expensive than having your vehicle towed and retrieved after theft. Additionally, it could be faster than visiting the dealership.
A locksmith can repair or replace the key that is broken or lost and can also repair your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can also create duplicate keys for most makes and models of cars and are therefore the best choice if you need a new spare or have lost yours.
It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe, and not attached to your keychain. This will ensure that you don't risk accidentally losing or misplacing it. It will also make it easier to locate your car if you are in a rush. If you're concerned about leaving your spare car key visible, keep it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys
The majority of modern cars require a key fob in addition to the traditional car key. Key fobs are small transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car by pressing an appropriate button. It also allows you to start your car remotely.
Some cars even have the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button much like Tesla's summon feature. This is a great option when you have to get into a tight parking spot.
Sometimes, car keys fail to function at the worst possible time. You may be at a gas station, heading to buy some groceries or just driving home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for just one second only to realize that you forgot to bring the spare key with you. This can be a huge hassle! Luckily, a majority of our stores can repair and create new keys on the spot.
If your car is equipped with remote keys, they has a chip that needs to programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder key. We can do this while you wait, generally in less than 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to complete your errands before picking up the car keys.
Bring your key to one of our shops to get it duplicated. We will need to know the year, MAKE and MODEL of your car in order to duplicate the correct key/fob for your specific vehicle.
If you're having difficulty with your car keys, or you're interested in getting a spare key created to keep you safe visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and expertise to create a spare car key that will last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it somewhere safe!