The Reasons Car Spare Key Is More Difficult Than You Think
Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys when you were grocery shopping or set it down to grab your coffee, missing keys to cars can happen. Be sure to keep an extra key and look over the areas where you are likely to leave your keys before going out.
Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can copy house keys, and sometimes car keys and key fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and more information.
Valet keys
Valet keys let the vehicle be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a regular replacement key. They are typically utilized by valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's car. They are also used by private parties to gain access to cars if the remote key fob battery fails to function.
The main reason for having a valet key is to deter theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on rides. The valet key acts as an deterrent, making it more difficult to take the car. Valet keys can be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car glovebox or in the boot.
Modern valet keys preserve the original function of lock keys from the past. They can still open the driver's side door, but not the console or trunk lock. Certain luxury vehicles that are high-end contain features that increase the security of the valet keys, such as a restricted power output. This will prevent the vehicle from being started without turning the engine off.
These features are a great start but the valet key has its drawbacks. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys, and they can use the bar to force them open. Furthermore, some keys for valet have weaker locks than those found on standard replacement key fobs.
In certain situations valet keys may not work as expected, particularly if it's been damaged or dropped. The key could stop working suddenly and the owner will need to call an expert locksmith to replace it. In the event of a key malfunction it is essential to have a spare keys near me.
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 important to know the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily create traditional keys because they have an easy edge design. They don't have an electronic transponder, and therefore do not require encryption. They are made of brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They also can handle rough handling and use.
A spare key will make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easy to locate. You can leave it with a family member whom you can trust to drive your car if you ever lock yourself out.
Many hardware stores and national home improvement chains offer key duplication services for affordable prices. The KeyMe machine is usually found in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some of them can make key fobs to cars with push button start.
Contact us prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also search online to find out what kind of keys they are capable of making. Some locksmiths may not be able to create keys for locks with high security.
If you have a smart key, you'll have to obtain an alternative from the dealership. They'll need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new key for you. They will require evidence of ownership such as the registration or title to prove that.
If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts shop or locksmith. Both of them will be able to make you a spare key quickly and cost-effectively. They can duplicate your key or provide you with a blank, programmable key. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle to accomplish this, so you'll be required to keep that information on hand if you're planning to visit these locations to have your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are electronic microchips that are embedded into the head. This is different from traditional keys which use metal contacts to open the lock or start the vehicle. This microchip transmits a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. The signal carries a serial number that is matched with the key code stored in the computer system of your vehicle. If the correct code is found, the car's immobilizer system disarms and allows the engine to start.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car key. Certain cars won't start when you use the wrong key (except for those that are non-transponder). This is why they are the preferred option if you want to reduce the chance that your vehicle could be stolen or copied.
If you lose your car transponder chip keys 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 keys that are blank and can be paired with a switchblade key to provide the same functions as your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be an expensive project, but it's often cheaper than having your vehicle towed and retrieved after a theft. It's also less time-consuming than visiting an auto dealer.
A locksmith can replace your broken or lost key and can also repair your ignition and other car hardware. They can duplicate keys for a variety of types of automobiles and makes and are a great option if you require replacement of your spare key car or lost key.
It's important to keep your spare car keys cut car keys safe and not on your keychain. This will ensure that you don't risk the risk of losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to locate your car when you're in a rush. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a prominent area, you can keep it hidden beneath the dashboard or in a secure compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
Modern cars need a key fob in addition to a traditional metal car key. A key fob is a small transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car by pressing the button. You can also start your car remotely.
Certain cars also offer the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button, much like Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful when you have to get into a congested parking spot.
Sometimes, keys to cars aren't working at the most inconvenient possible time. You could be at a gas station, heading to buy some groceries, or perhaps driving home after an exhausting day. put your keys down for a second and then realize that you forgot to bring the spare key with you. This can be extremely frustrating! The majority of our stores can repair and replace keys on the spot.
If your car is equipped with a remote key, it has a small chip in it that must be programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car keys. We can do this while you wait, usually within less than 30 mins, which is plenty of time to run your errands and then pick the keys to your car.
Bring your key to one of our shops to get it duplicated. To duplicate the correct fob or key, we will require information about your vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you need a spare car key or if you want to have peace of mind. We'll have the tools and know-how to design a spare car key that can last a lifetime. Keep it safe!