Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if you've lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to grab your cup of coffee, losing keys to cars can happen. Keep a spare 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 machines that can copy house keys, and sometimes car keys and key fobs. For more information and current key prices, see their website.

Valet Keys

Valet keys are a form of car key that allows the vehicle to be driven, but it isn't able to unlock a trunk or glove box. They are typically a cheaper alternative to a replacement key. Most often, they are employed by hotel valet attendants and mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of customers. However, they can also be used by a private party to gain access to the car in case the owner's remote key fob battery goes out.

The primary reason for using valet services is to deter theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on joy rides. The valet key acts as a deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the car. Valet keys are also useful for those who keep valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their vehicles.

Modern valet keys maintain the original function of older lock keys. They can still open the driver's side door, but not the console lock or trunk lock. Some luxury vehicles of high-end also have features that enhance the security of the valet keys, 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 but the valet key isn't without weaknesses. For example, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys and can make spare car key use of a Crowbar to open them. Furthermore, some keys for valet have locks that are less secure than those found on regular replacement key fobs.

In some instances the valet key might not function as expected in particular if it's been damaged or dropped. The key could stop working suddenly and the owner could need to call an locksmith to get it replaced. In the event of a key malfunction it is crucial to have a spare.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need a new key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it is helpful if you have the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys because they have an easy edge design. They do not come with a transponder, and so they don't require encryption. They are made from nickel or brass and are therefore more durable. They also can endure rough handling and severe use.

A spare key can help you avoid from losing your vehicle and going through the hassle of changing the key. Keep it apart from your keychain to make it easier to find. You can leave it with someone you trust to drive your vehicle in the event that you need to lock yourself locked out of car no spare key.

Most hardware stores and national home improvement chains offer key duplication services at affordable prices. They usually have a machine called KeyMe that allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys within minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also manufacture key fobs that can be used to start cars using push buttons.

Contact us prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also go to their website to see the types of keys that they can create. Certain locksmiths might not be able to create keys for high security locks.

If you have a smart key, you'll need to purchase a replacement from the dealership. They'll need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they make a new one for you. They will require evidence of ownership such as the registration or title to do that.

If you have an old key, visit an auto parts shop or locksmith. Both will be able make your replacement key quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. They'll be able to duplicate the original key or able to provide you with an uncut key that can be programmed to work with your car's system. You will have to know the year and make of your vehicle in order to have a replacement key.

Transponder Keys

Contrary to traditional keys that use metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. The microchip sends out a low-level radio signal when the key how much is a spare car key activated. The signal is the serial number that matches the key code that is stored in your vehicle's computer. When the correct code is matched the immobilizer in your car disarms, allowing the engine to begin.

Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys also make it more difficult to duplicate your car keys. Certain cars won't start in the event that you use a key that is not correct (except for those that are non-transponder). This is why they are the best choice if you wish to reduce the chances of your car being stolen or copied.

If you have lost or had your transponder key programming cost keys stolen you should have a replacement made as soon as you can. Many automotive locksmiths can replace your key fob or create an uncut switchblade key that can be joined with the original key.

A transponder key replacement can be expensive, but it's often cheaper than having your vehicle towed and retrieved after theft. It can also be quicker than going to a dealership.

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

It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and not on your keychain. This will stop you from accidentally losing or misplacing it in the first place, and will help you locate your car if you're in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a prominent area, you can keep it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment in your car.

Remote Keys

In most modern cars keys are needed in addition to traditional metal car keys. Key fobs are small transmitter that looks more like an iPhone than a real car key. A key fob can be used to unlock and lock your car using the button. You can also start your car remotely.

Some cars offer the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful when you need to squeeze into a small space.

Car keys can sometimes stop working at the most uncomfortable times. You may be at a gas station, en route to get groceries or just driving home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for just a second and then realize that you forgot to carry a spare key with you. This can be very frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores can repair and make new key replacements immediately.

If your car is equipped with a remote key it will have a chip that needs to programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the necessary equipment to duplicate your transponder keys. We can duplicate your transponder car key while you are waiting. This usually takes less than 30 minutes. There is plenty of time to do errands before picking up the keys.

Bring your key to one of our shops to have it duplicated. We will require the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle to duplicate the correct fob or key for your particular car.

If you are having trouble with your car key, or you're interested in getting a spare key made for peace of mind visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and experience how to get spare car keys create a spare car key that will last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it in a safe place!