Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if you've lost your key during grocery shopping or you put it down to grab your cup of coffee, losing keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare car key and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys.

Some supermarkets, like Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment which can copy car keys and fobs. For more information and the latest key prices, visit their website.

Valet keys

Valet keys are a type of car key that permits the vehicle to be driven but it isn't able to unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are typically a cheaper alternative to a standard replacement key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of the customer. They can be used by private parties to gain access to cars if the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.

The main reason for using valet keys is to stop theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take cars of customers for joyrides and the valet key can be used as a deterrent to make it difficult for thieves to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can also be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car glovebox or in the boot.

Modern valet keys maintain the original functionality of locks from earlier times. They can still open the driver's side door however, they cannot open the trunk or console lock. Certain luxury vehicles include security features, such as a limited power output. This stops the vehicle from being started with the key unless the engine has been shut off.

These features are a great beginning however, the valet key comes with drawbacks. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and are able to open them with the help of a Crowbar. Some valet keys also have weaker locks as compared to the standard replacement key fobs.

In some instances, a valet key will not function as planned especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key may cease to function abruptly and the owner will have to call a professional locksmith to replace it. It is crucial to make sure that you have a spare key in case of this issue.

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. It is beneficial to have the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle when you visit for the replacement.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys due to their a simple edge design. They do not have a transponder, and so they do not require the use of encoding. They are made of nickel or g28Carkeys brass and therefore more durable. They can also endure rough handling and severe use.

Having a spare key can prevent you from losing your car and having to go through the hassle of changing the key. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easy to find. You can even leave it with a friend or family member who you trust to drive your car if you need to lock yourself out.

The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable costs. KeyMe is typically available at these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also create key fobs for cars with push button start.

Call ahead before visiting a store offering these services. You can also go to their website to find out the kinds of keys they can create. Certain locksmiths might not be able to make keys for high security locks.

You'll need to replace your smart key at the dealership, if you own one. They must confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to make a new one for you. They will need proof 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 you a replacement key quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. They'll be able duplicate your original key, or they will be in a position to give you a blank key that could be programmed to match your car's key system. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your car to do that, so you'll need to have this information in your possession if you're planning to visit these locations to get your spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys contain electronic microchips that are embedded into the head. This is distinct from traditional keys which use metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the vehicle. The microchip emits a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. This signal contains a digital serial number that matches up with the key code stored in the car's computer system. The immobilizer system of your vehicle is turned off when the correct code is found.

Besides providing more security, transponder keys also make it harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some vehicles will not start if the wrong type of key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). As such, they are the best choice when you want to decrease the possibility that your car is stolen or duplicated.

If you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if they're stolen it is essential to have a replacement key made as quickly as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can repair your key fob or create a blank key that can be paired with a switchblade key to give you the same functionality as your original key.

Transponder key replacements can cost a lot, but they are often cheaper than having your vehicle towing after a the theft. It's also quicker than going to the dealership.

In addition to being able to replace your broken or lost keys an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for various kinds of models and makes of vehicles, so they're an ideal choice if require replacement of 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 help you avoid the risk of losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to find your car if you are in a rush. If you're worried about leaving your spare car keys visible, place it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.

Remote Keys

In most modern cars keys are needed in addition to traditional car keys made of metal. A key fob is a tiny transmitter that looks more like an iphone than a car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing one button. You can also start your car remotely.

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

Car keys can sometimes malfunction at the most difficult moments. You might be at a gas station, g28Carkeys on your route to pick up groceries, or returning home after a busy day only to realize you've lost keys to car no spare the spare key. This can be extremely frustrating! Luckily, a majority of our stores are able to repair and make new keys immediately.

If your car is equipped with a remote key, it has a small chip in it which needs to be programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can do this while you wait, typically in less than 30 minutes which is plenty of time to complete your errands before picking the keys to your car.

You will require bringing your current key with you to get it copied at one of our stores. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle 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 be secure. We'll have the tools and expertise to make an extra car key that will last for a lifetime. Make sure it's safe!