The Best Car Spare Key Gurus Are Doing 3 Things
Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys while grocery shopping or put it down to go get your cup of coffee, losing car keys happens. Make sure to keep an extra key and look over the areas where you are likely to leave your keys before heading out.
Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate house keys, and sometimes car keys and key fobs. For more information and current key prices, visit their website.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a type of car key that permits the vehicle to be operated but does not unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are a cheaper option than a standard replacement key. They are usually employed by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. However, they can also be employed by a private party to gain entry into the vehicle in case the owner's remote key fob battery fails.
The main reason for using a valet key is to prevent theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for rides and the valet key can act as a deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the vehicle. Valet keys are also useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys maintain the original function of lock keys from the past. They are able to open the door to the driver's side however, they cannot open the console lock or trunk lock. Some high-end luxury vehicles also include features that improve the security of the valet keys like a limited power output. This prevents the car from being started with the key unless the engine is switched off.
While these features are an improvement in the direction but the valet key is not without flaws. For example, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys and can make use of the Crowbar to open them. Additionally, some valet keys have weaker locks than those found on standard replacement key fobs.
In some instances the valet key might not function as intended particularly if it has been damaged or dropped. The key may cease to function suddenly, and the owner may need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. It is important to make sure that you have a spare key in the event of this happening.
If you are in need of an additional car key or have lost your Attendant Key Visit your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. It is a good idea to have the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle handy when you come in for the replacement.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys due to their an easy edge design. They don't come with transponders and do not require encryption. They are made of brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They can also withstand rough handling and harsh use.
A spare key can keep you from losing your vehicle and going through the trouble of changing the key. It is a good idea to keep one somewhere separate from your keychain so that it is easy to find. You can leave it with someone you trust who will drive your car in the event that you need to lock yourself out.
The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable prices. They typically have a device called KeyMe, which allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. You can locate a store near your location by checking their website. Some stores also manufacture key fobs that can be used to start vehicles with push buttons.
Contact us prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also check their website to find out the kinds of keys they can create. Some might not be able to create keys for high-security locks which is why you'll have to find a locksmith in those cases.
If you have a smart key, you'll need to get an alternative from the dealership. Before they can create you a new key, they will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle. They will need proof of ownership like the registration or title to do that.
If you own a traditional key then you can visit an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both can make you a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate your key or give you an unprogrammable, blank key. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle to accomplish that, so you'll be required to keep that information handy if you are planning on going to these locations to get your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that utilize metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. When the key is activated by the microchip, it sends an unintentional signal. The signal is an identification number that corresponds to the key code stored in the computer of your vehicle. When the correct code is matched, the car's immobilizer system disarms, allowing the engine to begin.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys also make it harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some cars will not start when the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). They are therefore the best option if you want to minimize the risk of your car being taken or copied.
If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if you lose them, it's important to have a backup key made as soon as possible. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can repair the key fob or design a blank key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key in order to provide the same functions like the original key.
A transponder key replacement may be expensive However, it's typically less expensive than paying to have your vehicle tow and recovered after a theft. Additionally, it can be quicker than going to a dealership.
In addition to being able to repair or replace the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of types of automobiles and makes and are an ideal choice if need to replace the spare key or have lost key.
It's important to keep your spare car keys secure and not on your keychain. This will stop you from getting it lost or misplaced in the first place, and will help you locate your car in case you're in a rush. If get spare car key made near me worried about keeping your spare car key visible, place it in the car's dashboard or inside a secret compartment.
Remote Keys
In the majority of modern cars keys are required in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. A key fob looks more like a smartphone, rather than the traditional car key. A key fob can be used to unlock and lock your car by pressing an appropriate button. It also allows you to start your vehicle remotely.
Certain cars allow you to "summon" your car with a single button press similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful when you need to squeeze into a small space.
Sometimes car keys aren't working at the most inconvenient possible time. You might be at a gas station, on your route to get groceries, or driving home after a busy day when you realize that you forgot the spare key. This can be frustrating! Most of our stores can repair and replace keys immediately.
If your car has a remote key, it has tiny chips inside which needs to be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car keys. We can duplicate your transponder car keys while you are waiting. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to do errands before picking up the keys.
You will require bringing your current key with you to be able to have it duplicated at one of our locations. We will need to know the year, MAKE and MODEL of your car in order to duplicate the correct key/fob for your specific car.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or you wish to feel secure. We'll have the tools and experience to design an extra car key that will last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it in a safe place!