Types of Car Spare Keys

Whether you lost your key when you were grocery shopping or set it down to grab your coffee, the loss of keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare car key and check places where you often leave your keys.

Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can copy house keys, and sometimes keys for cars and key fobs. For more information on the process and current prices for keys, check their website.

Valet Keys

Valet keys are a type of car key that permits the vehicle to be driven, but it isn't able to unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are a less expensive option than a standard replacement key. They are most often utilized by valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's car. However they can also be employed by a private party to gain access to the car in case the owner's remote key fob battery is not working.

The main reason for having valet keys is to stop theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for joyrides and the valet key could act as a deterrent by making it harder to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can also be useful for those who often leave valuables in their car's boot or glovebox.

Modern valet keys have remained in the original functions of older key 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 cars also come with security features like a restricted power output. This prevents the vehicle from being started with the key unless the engine is switched off.

While these features are a step in the right direction however, the valet key isn't without its flaws. For instance, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys and they can use a crowbar to force them open. Certain keys for valet also have less secure locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.

In some cases the valet key may not work as expected in particular if it's been dropped or damaged. The key may stop working suddenly and the owner may have to contact a professional locksmith to replace it. In the case of a malfunctioning key, it is important to have a spare.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require an additional key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it is helpful if you have the year and model of your vehicle.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys are simple around the edges and are easy for locksmiths to create. They don't contain transponders and don't require encoding. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore are more durable. They can also withstand rough handling and harsh use.

A spare key will make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car if you lose it. It is an ideal idea to keep it separate from your keychain so it is easy to find. You could even leave it with a family member you can trust to drive your car if you ever lock yourself out.

The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores provide key duplication at reasonable prices. KeyMe is typically available at these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. You can locate stores near you by visiting their website. Some stores make key fobs to cars with push button start.

Call ahead before going to a shop that offers these services. You can also look online to determine what kind of keys they are capable of making. Certain locksmiths might not be able to make keys for locks with high security.

If you have a smart key, you will need to purchase a replacement from the dealership. They will need to make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can create a new one for you. They will require proof of ownership like the registration or title to prove that.

If you have a conventional key, you can go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both can make you a buy spare car key key swiftly and affordably. They can duplicate your original key or provide you with a blank, programmable key. You will have to know the year and make and model of your vehicle in order to have a spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are electronic microchips embedded in the head. This is distinct from traditional keys that use metal contacts to unlock the lock or to start the vehicle. The microchip sends out a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. The signal contains the serial number that corresponds to the key code stored in your vehicle's computer. The immobilizer system in the vehicle is turned off when the correct code matches.

Besides providing more security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, certain cars will not start when the wrong key is used (except for non-transponder keys). This is why they are the preferred option when you want to decrease the possibility that your car is stolen or copied.

If you lose the keys to your car keys lost no spare transponder chip or if they're stolen it is essential to have a replacement key made as quickly as possible. A lot of locksmiths for automotive are able to replace your key fob, or create a blank switchblade key that can be linked with the original key.

A transponder key replacement can be a costly undertaking however, it's usually less expensive than having your car towed and recovered following theft. Additionally, it can be quicker than going to a dealership.

A locksmith can repair or replace your lost or broken key and can also repair your ignition and other car hardware. They can also duplicate keys for many makes and models of vehicles which makes them an excellent choice if you require replacement of your spare keys for cars or lost key.

It's important to keep your spare car keys safe and not on your keychain. This will ensure that you don't risk accidentally losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to find your car if you are in a rush. If you're worried about leaving your spare car keys near me car key visible, place it under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment.

Remote Keys

In the majority of modern cars keys are required in addition to the traditional car keys made of metal. Key fobs are small transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. A key fob can be used to unlock and lock your car using an appropriate button. You can also start your car remotely.

Certain cars allow you to "summon" your vehicle with a single button press, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful for those who need to squeeze into a tight parking spot.

Car keys may malfunction at the most difficult times. You could be at the station, on the way to get groceries, or driving home from a busy day, only to discover that you forgot your spare key. This can be very frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores are able to repair and provide new keys on the spot.

If your vehicle is equipped with remote keys, they has a chip that requires programming. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder car key. We can duplicate your transponder key while you are waiting. It usually takes less than 30 minutes. You have plenty of time to run through your routine before picking keys.

Bring your key to one of our stores to get it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key or fob, we will need to know 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 make an extra car key that will last for a lifetime. Just be sure to keep it somewhere safe!