Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if lost your car keys during a shopping trip or put it down when you went to get your coffee. Keep a spare car key and check places where you often leave your keys.

Some supermarkets, like Save Mart and H-E-B, have a self-service key duplication machine which can copy car keys and fobs. Visit their website for current prices and more information.

Valet Keys

Valet keys let the vehicle run, but they do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are less expensive than a regular replacement car key. They are typically employed by hotel valet attendants and mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of a customer. 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 goes out.

The main reason for having valet keys is to deter theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for joy rides, and the valet key could act as a deterrent by making it more difficult to steal the vehicle. Valet keys are also useful for those who keep valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their cars.

Modern valet keys preserve the original functions of older lock keys. They can still unlock the driver's door, but not the console lock or trunk lock. Some luxury vehicles of high-end also contain features that increase the security of the valet key, such as a restricted power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without turning the engine off.

While these features are a step in the right direction, the valet key isn't without its weaknesses. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and are able to make them open using the help of a crowbar. Additionally, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than those found on regular replacement key fobs.

In certain situations valet keys may not work as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key may cease to function suddenly and the owner could require a locksmith to have it replaced. It is crucial to make sure that you have a valid spare key in the event of this issue.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need a new key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. It is helpful to have the year and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle handy when you go in to request the replacement.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys are simple in design at the edges and are easy for locksmiths to make. They don't have transponders and don't require encoding. They are usually made of nickel or brass, making them sturdier and robust. They can also withstand rough usage and handling.

A spare car key maker near me key will make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car if you lose it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easy to find. You can leave it with a family member whom you can trust to drive your car if you get locked out.

Many hardware stores and national chains of home improvement provide key duplication services at affordable prices. The KeyMe machine is usually found in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys from standard to modern in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some of them can make key fobs to cars that have a push button start.

It is best to make a call prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also visit their website to see the types of keys that they can make. Some locksmiths may not be able make keys for locks with high security.

You'll need to change your smart key at the dealership, if you have one. They will need to make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new one for you. They will require proof of ownership like the registration or title to prove that.

If you have an old key, you can go to an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able make your replacement key quickly and at a reasonable price. They can duplicate the key you have or give you an unprogrammable, blank key. You'll have to know the year and make and model of your car to be able to get an extra key made.

Transponder Keys

Unlike traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. When the key is turned on the microchip emits an unintentional signal. The signal is a digital serial number that matches up with the key code stored in the computer system of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of your vehicle is activated when the correct code matches.

Transponder keys are not only more secure, they also make it difficult to duplicate keys for cars. Some cars will not start when 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 could be stolen or duplicated.

If you have lost or had your transponder keys stolen you must get a new one made as soon as you can. A lot of locksmiths for automotive are able to replace your key fob, or design an empty switchblade key that can be paired up with your original key.

Transponder key replacements can cost a lot, but they are often cheaper than having your vehicle towed after theft. It's also less time-consuming than visiting the dealership.

In addition to being able to repair or replace your broken or lost keys an automotive locksmith can repair damaged ignitions and other parts of your vehicle. They can also create duplicate keys for a variety of makes and models of cars which makes them an excellent choice if you need a spare or lost yours.

It's important to keep your spare car keys safe and not on your keychain. This will help you avoid accidentally losing or misplacing it as well as make finding your car easier in case you're in a rush. If you're worried about leaving your spare car key maker key in a public place, try to keep it hidden beneath the dashboard or in a secret compartment of your vehicle.

Remote Keys

In most modern cars keys are required in addition to the traditional metal car keys. A key fob looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car key spare cost by pressing one button. It also lets you start your vehicle remotely.

Some cars offer the option to "summon" your vehicle by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful if you need to squeeze into a tight parking space.

Car keys can stop working at the most inconvenient moments. You could be at the gas station, on the way to get groceries, or returning home after a busy day only to realize you've forgotten the spare car key cost key. This can be extremely frustrating! Most of our stores are able to repair and replace keys on the spot.

If your car key spare cost has a remote key, it's likely to have a small chip in it which needs to be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the necessary equipment to duplicate the transponder key. We can do this while you wait, typically within less than 30 mins, which is enough time to run your daily errands, and then pick up the car keys.

You'll need to bring your current key to be able to have it duplicated at one of our stores. We will need to know the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle to duplicate the correct fob or key for your particular car.

If you're having issues with your car key or if you're looking to have an extra key for peace of mind go to your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and expertise to design an extra car key that can last for a lifetime. Just be sure to keep it somewhere safe!