Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key during grocery shopping or you put it down to go get your coffee, missing keys to cars can happen. Make sure to keep a spare key in your bag and be sure to check 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 equipment that can copy house keys, and sometimes keys for cars and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and additional information.
Valet keys
Valet keys let the vehicle run, but do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are a less expensive option than a standard replacement key. They are most often used by hotel valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's car. However they can also be employed by private parties to gain access to the car in case the owner's remote key fob battery fails.
The main reason to use valet services is to deter theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for rides, and the valet key could act as a deterrent to make it more difficult to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can also be useful for those who often leave valuables in their car boot or glovebox.
Modern valet keys retain the original functions of older key locks and can open the door of a driver, but not the lock that is on the center console or trunk. Some high-end luxury cars also have features that improve security like a restricted power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without the engine turning off.
These features are a great beginning, but the valet key has its flaws. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys, and are able to use a bar to force them open. Some valet keys also have weaker locks as compared to the standard replacement key fobs.
In some instances the valet key may not function as planned, particularly if it's been damaged or dropped. The key might stop working abruptly, and the owner may need to call a locksmith to have it replaced. G28 is crucial to ensure that you have a valid spare key in the event of this happening.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need an additional key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. It is a good idea to have the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle when you come in to get a replacement.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys due to their simple edges. They do not have an electronic transponder, which means they do not require encryption. They are made from brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They also can be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive use.
A spare key can prevent you from losing your car and having to go through the hassle of re-keying it. It is an ideal idea to keep one somewhere separate from your keychain so it is easy to locate. You can leave it with someone you trust to drive your car in the event you are locked out.
The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. They usually have a machine called KeyMe where you can easily duplicate your standard keys within minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to start vehicles by pushing buttons.
Contact us prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also check online to determine what kind of keys they are capable of making. Some may not be able to make keys for high-security locks, so you will need to visit a locksmith in those cases.
You'll need to replace your smart key at the dealership, if you own one. Before they can make you a new key, they'll need to confirm that you have the vehicle. They will need evidence of ownership such as the registration or title to verify that.
If you have an old key, visit an auto parts shop or locksmith. Both of them will be able to make you a spare key swiftly and cost-effectively. They can duplicate your key or provide you with an unprogrammable, blank key. You'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle to get a spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys contain electronic microchips that are embedded into the head. This is different from traditional keys that use metal contacts to open the lock or start the vehicle. When the key is activated by the microchip, it sends an low-level signal. The signal is a digital serial number that matches with the key's code in the computer system of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of the vehicle is turned off when the correct code is found.
Transponder keys aren't just more secure, but they also make it harder to duplicate keys for cars. In fact, some vehicles won't start if the wrong type of key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). This is why they are the best option if you want to minimize the risk of your car being taken or copied.
If you've lost or had your transponder keys stolen you must get a new one made as soon as you can. Fortunately, many automotive locksmiths can repair your key fob or create a blank key that can be paired with a switchblade key to provide the same function like the original key.
A transponder key replacement may be expensive however, it's usually less expensive than having your car towed and recovered after theft. It's also quicker than visiting an auto dealer.
A locksmith can replace your broken or lost key and can also repair your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can also duplicate keys for many types of automobiles and makes and are an ideal choice if require a replacement for your spare or lost it.
It's important to keep your spare car key somewhere safe, and not connected to your keychain. This will help you avoid getting it lost or misplaced. It will also make it easier to find your car if you are in a hurry. If you're concerned about leaving your spare car key visible, keep it under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment.
Remote Keys
Modern cars need a key fob in addition to a traditional car key. A key fob is a tiny transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. A key fob is able to unlock and lock your car with the press of a 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 a great option when you have to get into a tight parking spot.
Car keys may stop working at the most uncomfortable moments. You could be at the station, or on your way to pick up groceries, or driving home from a busy day only to realize you've forgotten your spare key. This can be a nightmare! Fortunately, most of our stores are able to repair and create new key replacements right on the spot.
If your car is equipped with an electronic remote key, it has a chip which needs to programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder keys. We can do this while you wait, generally within less than 30 mins which is plenty of time to run your daily errands, and then pick up your car keys.
Bring your key to one of our stores to have it duplicated. We will need to know the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your car in order to duplicate the correct fob or key for your specific car.
If you are having trouble with your car key or you're looking to have an extra key to ensure your safety go to your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and experience to create a spare car key that will last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it safe!