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Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if dropped your car keys while shopping, or put it down when you went to get your coffee. Make sure to keep a spare key and check the places where you tend to leave your keys prior to heading out.
Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication equipment which can copy house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and more information.
Valet Keys
Valet keys allow the vehicle to run, but do not unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are less expensive than a regular replacement Car Spare key (https://maps.google.ml/) key. They are typically used by hotel valet attendants and mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. They are also employed by private parties to gain access to cars when the remote key fob battery fails to function.
The primary reason to use valet keys is to prevent theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on joy rides. The valet key acts as an deterrent, making it difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who often leave valuables in their car boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys retain the original function of the older locks and can unlock a door for drivers, but not the lock on the central console or the trunk. Some high-end luxury cars also have features that improve security by limiting power output. This stops the vehicle from being started using the key unless the engine is shut off.
These features are a good starting point, but the valet key comes with drawbacks. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and are able to open them with a Crowbar. Additionally, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than the standard replacement key fobs.
In some instances valet keys may not function as expected, particularly if it's been damaged or dropped. The key spare may cease to function suddenly, and the owner may need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. 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 lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to replace your car key, it's important to know the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys have a simple design at the edges, and are easy for locksmiths to create. They do not have a transponder, so they don't require the use of encoding. They are typically made of brass or nickel, which makes them sturdier and durable. They can also withstand rough handling and harsh use.
A spare key can save you the hassle of having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. Keep it apart from your keychain to make it easy to locate. You can even leave it with a friend or family member you are confident to drive your car in the event that you ever get locked out.
Many hardware stores and national chains of home improvement offer key duplication services for affordable costs. The KeyMe machine is generally found in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. You can find an outlet near you by going to their website. Some of them also create key fobs for cars with push button start.
Contact us prior to visiting a store offering these services. You can also look online to determine what kind of keys they are capable of making. Certain locksmiths might not be able make keys for locks with high security.
You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership, if you own one. They must verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to create a new one for you. To do this, they'll require evidence of your ownership, like the registration or title.
If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts shop or locksmith. Both will be able to make you a spare key quickly and cost-effectively. They will be able to duplicate your key from the beginning, or they will be able to provide you with an uncut key that can be programmed to match your car's key system. You'll have to know the year and make and model of your car to be able to get a replacement key.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that use metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. The microchip emits a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. The signal is a digital serial number that matches up with the key code stored in the computer system of your vehicle. If the correct code is found the immobilizer in your car disarms, allowing the engine to begin.
Transponder keys aren't just more secure, they also make it difficult to duplicate a car key. In fact, certain cars will refuse to start when the wrong key is used (except for non-transponder keys). These keys are the best option if you want to minimize the risk of your car being taken or copied.
If you lose or have your transponder keys stolen, you should get a spare made as soon as possible. A lot of locksmiths for automotive are able to replace your key fob, or create an empty switchblade key spare that can be joined with the original key.
Transponder key replacements can be expensive, but they are often cheaper than having your car towed after the theft. In addition, it can be faster than visiting the dealership.
In addition to being able to replace the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions and other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for various types of automobiles and makes and are a great option if you need to replace the spare key or have lost key.
It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally misplacing or losing it in the first place, and will help you locate your car in case you're in a rush. If you're worried about keeping your spare car key visible, store it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys
In modern vehicles keys are needed in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. Key fobs look more like a smartphone than an actual car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your car by pressing a single button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Certain cars also offer the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful when you need to squeeze into a tight space.
Car keys may stop working at the most inconvenient times. You might be at a gas station, or on your way to get groceries, or returning back home after a long day when you realize that you forgot your spare key. This can be frustrating! Most of our stores are able to repair and replace keys immediately.
If your vehicle has a remote key it has a chip which needs to programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can do this while you wait, usually within less than 30 minutes which is plenty of time to complete your errands before picking up your car keys.
You will require bringing your current key with you in order to have it copied at one of our locations. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct key or fob for your particular car.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you need a spare car key or you wish to feel secure. We have the tools and experience to create a spare key that will last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it safe!