7 Useful Tips For Making The Most Of Your Car Spare Key
Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys while grocery shopping or put it down to grab your coffee, missing car keys happens. Be sure to keep a spare key in your bag and be sure to check the areas you like to leave your keys prior to leaving.
Certain supermarkets, including Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication machines that can copy keys for cars and fobs. Visit their website for current prices and more information.
Valet keys
Valet keys allow the vehicle to be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are less expensive than a standard replacement key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of the customer. However, they can also be employed by private parties to gain entry into the vehicle in case the owner's remote key fob battery is not working.
The primary reason for using valets is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' cars on rides. The valet key serves as an effective deterrent, making it difficult to steal the car. Valet keys are also useful for those who often leave valuables in their car boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys have remained in the original function of older key locks, and they can still open a driver's door but not the lock that is on the center console or the trunk. Some high-end luxury cars also include security features by limiting power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without turning the engine off.
While these features are an important step in the right direction however, the valet key isn't without its flaws. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys and are able to use an Crowbar to open them. Valet keys can also have weaker locks as compared to the standard replacement key fobs.
In some instances, the valet key may not work as expected, especially if it has been damaged or dropped. The key may be unable to function for a short time and the owner will need to contact a professional locksmith to replace it. It is crucial to ensure that you have a working spare key in the event of this happening.
If you're 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 get your car key, it's beneficial to have the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple at the edges, and are simple for locksmiths to make. They don't come with an electronic transponder, and therefore do not require encoders. They are made from brass or nickel and therefore are more durable. They can also endure rough handling and severe usage.
A spare keys Near me key can keep you from losing your car and having to go through the trouble of having to re-key it. It is a good idea to keep it in a separate place from your keychain to ensure it is easy to locate. You can leave it with someone you trust to drive your vehicle in the event that you are locked out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable costs. They typically have a device called KeyMe where you can quickly duplicate your keys in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also create key fobs for cars that have a push button start.
Contact us prior to visiting a store offering these services. You can also go to their website to see the kinds of keys they can create. Some may not be able to make keys for locks with high security, therefore you'll need to find a locksmith in those cases.
If you have a smart key, you'll need to purchase a replacement from the dealership. Before they can issue you a new key they'll need to prove that you have the vehicle. To verify this, they will need evidence of ownership like the registration or title.
If you have an old key, you can go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both can make your replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate the key you have or provide you with an unprogrammable, blank key. You'll need to know the year and make of your vehicle in order to have a replacement key.
Transponder Keys
Unlike traditional keys, which make use of metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. When the key is activated the microchip emits an unintentional signal. This signal contains a serial number which corresponds to the key code stored in your vehicle's computer. When the correct code is matched the immobilizer in your car keys spare disarms so that the engine can start.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some vehicles won't start when the wrong key is used (except for non-transponder keys). These keys are the best choice if you wish to reduce the chances of your car being taken or copied.
If you have lost or had your transponder keys stolen, you must get a new one created as soon as you can. Many locksmiths in the automotive industry can replace your key fob or create a blank switchblade key that can be joined with your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be a costly undertaking however, it's usually less expensive than paying to have your car towed and recovered following theft. It can also be quicker than visiting the dealership.
A locksmith can repair or replace your broken or lost key and can also fix your ignition and other parts of your vehicle. They can also create duplicate keys for most kinds and models of automobiles and are therefore a great choice when you need a new spare or have lost your keys.
It's essential to leave 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 find your car if you are in a rush. If you're worried about keeping your spare car key visible, place it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys
Modern cars need a key fob in addition to a traditional metal car key. A key fob is a tiny 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 car remotely.
Some cars 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 squeeze into a tight parking space.
Sometimes, car keys stop working at the worst possible moment. You may be at a gas station, heading to pick up some groceries or just returning home from an exhausting day. You put your keys down for one second only to realize you forgot to bring the spare keys cut key with you. This can be frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores are able to repair and create new key replacements on the spot.
If your car has a remote key, it will have an embedded chip that needs to be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate your transponder car key. We can do this while you wait, usually within less than 30 mins, which is plenty of time to complete your daily errands, and then pick the keys to your car.
Bring your key to one of our stores to get it duplicated. To duplicate the correct fob or key we'll need to know your vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.
If you are having trouble with your car key, or if you're just looking to have a spare key created for peace of mind, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and experience to make a spare car key that will last a lifetime. Be sure to keep it in a safe place!