5 Car Spare Key Lessons From The Pros

Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if you dropped your car keys while shopping, or put it down when you went to get your coffee. Keep a spare car key and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.

Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can copy house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. For more information and the latest key prices, visit their website.

Valet Keys

Valet keys allow the vehicle to run, but they do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are typically a less expensive alternative to a replacement key. They are typically employed by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of customers. However they can also be used by a private party 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. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on fun rides. Valet keys act as a deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who often leave valuables in their car boot or glovebox.

Modern valet keys have remained in the original functionality of the older locks and are able to unlock a door for drivers, but not the lock on the central console or in the trunk. Some high-end luxury cars also have features that improve security by limiting power output. This stops the vehicle from starting with the key unless the engine has been shut off.

While these features are an important step in the right direction but the valet key is not without its shortcomings. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys and are able to use a bar to force them open. In addition, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than the normal replacement key fobs.

In some cases the valet key may not work as expected, especially if it has been dropped or damaged. The key could be unable to function for a short time and the owner will need to contact an expert locksmith to replace it. It is important to make sure that you have a spare key in case of this issue.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require an additional key for your car or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car spare keys key, it is helpful if you have the year and make of the vehicle you are using.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys are simple in design at the edges and are easy for locksmiths create. They don't contain transponders and do not require encoding. They are typically made from brass or nickel, making them stronger and more durable. They also can withstand rough usage and handling.

A spare key will save you the hassle of 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 give it to someone you trust to drive your car in the event you are locked out.

Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable costs. KeyMe is typically available in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. You can locate an outlet near your location by checking their website. Some of them also create key fobs for push button start cars.

Make sure to call ahead prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also look online to determine what kind of keys they are capable of making. Certain locksmiths might not be able how to get spare key for car make keys for high security locks.

You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you have one. They will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new one for you. To do this, they'll require proof of your ownership such as the registration or title.

If you have a traditional key you can visit an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both of them will be able to make you a spare key quickly and affordably. They can duplicate your original key or give you an unprogrammable key that is blank. You'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle to get an extra key made.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are electronic microchips embedded in the head. This is different from traditional keys that use metal contacts to unlock the lock or to start the vehicle. When the key is turned on the microchip emits an unintentional signal. The signal contains a serial number which matches the key code stored in the computer of your vehicle. If the correct code is found, the car's immobilizer system disarms, allowing the engine to begin.

Transponder keys aren't only more secure, but they also make it difficult to duplicate the car key. In fact, some vehicles will not start when the wrong key is used (except for non-transponder keys). They are the best choice for those who want to lower the possibility that your car spare key will get stolen or duplicated.

If you have lost or had your transponder keys stolen, you should have a replacement made as soon as possible. Many locksmiths in the automotive industry can replace your key fob, or design an empty switchblade key that can be joined up with your original key.

Transponder key replacements can be costly however, they are typically cheaper than having your vehicle towed after theft. It's also quicker than going to a dealership.

In addition to re-making your broken or lost keys an automotive locksmith can repair damaged ignitions and other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of makes and models of vehicles, so they're a great option if you need to replace your spare or lost key.

It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally misplacing or losing it in the first place, and will help you locate your car in case you're in a rush. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a public area, you can keep it hidden beneath the dashboard or in a secure compartment in your car.

Remote Keys

In the majority of modern cars, a key fob is required in addition to traditional metal car keys lost no spare keys. A key fob looks more like a smartphone rather than an actual car key spares key. A key fob can unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing one button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.

Some cars have the option to "summon" your vehicle by pressing a single button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful when you need to squeeze into a tight space.

Sometimes, car keys stop working at the worst time. You could be at a petrol station, on your way to get groceries, or simply returning home from a long day when you put your keys down for just one second only to realize that you forgot to bring the spare key with you. This can be very frustrating! Luckily, the majority of our stores are able to repair and make new keys right on the spot.

If your car is equipped with a remote key, it's likely to have a small chip in it that must be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder car key. We can do this while you wait, generally within less than 30 minutes which is enough time to complete your daily errands, and then pick up the car keys.

Bring your key to one of our stores to have it duplicated. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct key/fob for your specific car.

If you are having trouble with your car keys, or if you're looking to have a spare key made to keep you safe go to your local Mister Minit store today. We have the expertise and tools to create an extra key that will last for the rest of your life. Make sure you keep it somewhere safe!