Why Car Spare Key Is Harder Than You Think

Types of Car Spare Keys It doesn't matter if you dropped your car key while shopping, or put it back when you went to get your coffee. Keep an extra car key and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys. Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. For more information on the process and current key prices, see their website. Valet keys Valet keys let the vehicle be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a standard replacement key. Most often, they are 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 goes out. The main reason to use valets is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on rides. The valet key serves as an deterrent, making it difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who keep valuables in the boot or glovebox of their cars. Modern valet keys have remained in the original functions of the older locks and are able to open a driver's door but not the lock on the center console or in the trunk. Some high-end luxury vehicles also contain features that increase the security of the valet keys like a limited power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without the engine turning off. These features are a great beginning however, the valet key has its shortcomings. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs, and can open them with the use of a Crowbar. Furthermore, some keys for valet have locks that are less secure than the regular replacement key fobs. In some cases, a valet key will not function as planned, particularly if it's been damaged or dropped. The key might stop working suddenly, and the owner may need to contact a locksmith to have it replaced. In the case of a malfunctioning key it is crucial to have an extra. If you are 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 repair your car key, it is helpful if you have the year and model of the vehicle you are using. Traditional Keys Traditional keys have a simple design at the edges, and are easy for locksmiths create. They don't contain transponders and don't require encoding. They are typically made from nickel or brass, making them stronger and more robust. They also can be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive usage. A spare key will save you the hassle of having to rekey your car should you lose it. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easier to locate. You can even leave it with a friend or family member whom you can trust to drive your car if you lock yourself out. The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable prices. They typically have a machine called KeyMe where you can quickly duplicate your keys in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some of them can also create key fobs for cars with push button start. It is recommended to call ahead before heading to a shop that offers these services. You can also go to their website to see the kinds of keys they can make. Certain locksmiths might not be able to create keys for locks with high security. If you have an electronic key, you'll have to purchase an alternative from the dealership. Before they can issue you a new key, they'll need to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle. They will need proof of ownership like the registration or title to verify that. If you own a traditional key, you can go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able to create your spare key quickly and cost-effectively. They can duplicate your original key or provide you with an unprogrammable key that is blank. You'll need to know the year, make and model of your car to be able to get a spare key made. Transponder Keys Transponder keys contain electronic microchips that are built into the head. This is different from traditional keys that use metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the vehicle. The microchip sends out an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. The signal carries a serial number that is matched with the key code in your vehicle's computer system. The immobilizer system of the car is disarmed when the correct code is found. Besides providing more security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car key. Certain cars won't start in the event that you use a key that is not correct (except for those that are not transponder). This is why they are the preferred option for those who want to lower the chance that your vehicle will get stolen or copied. If you have lost or had your transponder keys stolen, you must get a new one made as soon as possible. A lot of locksmiths for automotive can replace your key fob, or design an empty switchblade key that can be linked with the original key. Transponder key replacements can cost a lot However, they are usually less expensive than having your car towed after theft. It can also be quicker than going to an auto dealer. A locksmith can repair or replace your lost or broken key and can also fix your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can duplicate keys for a variety of kinds of models and makes of vehicles and are an ideal choice if require a replacement for the spare key or have lost it. It is essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally losing or misplacing it as well as help you locate your car if you're in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a prominent place, try to keep it hidden under the dashboard or in a secret compartment in your car. Remote Keys In modern vehicles, a key fob is needed in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. A key fob is a small transmitter that looks more like an iphone than a car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. It also allows you to start your car remotely. Some cars even offer the option of “summoning” your car by pressing a button much like Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful when you need to squeeze into a tight space. Sometimes, car keys fail to function at the worst time. You may be at a gas station, on your way to buy some groceries or just returning home after a long day when you put your keys down for just a second and then realize that you forgot to bring a spare key along with you. This can be very frustrating! The majority of our stores are able to repair and replace keys on the spot. If your car is equipped with remote keys, they will have a chip that requires programming. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder car keys. We can duplicate your transponder car key while you are waiting. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. You have plenty of time to complete errands before picking keys. You will have to bring your current key in order to have it duplicated at one of our stores. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key/fob for your specific vehicle. If spare car key replacement having issues with your car keys, or if you're looking to get a spare key created for peace of mind visit your local Mister Minit store today. We have the equipment and expertise to design a spare key that will last for a lifetime. Keep it safe!