7 Practical Tips For Making The Most Of Your Car Spare Key
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 coffee, the loss of keys to your car can happen. Keep an extra car key and check places where you often leave your keys.
Certain supermarkets, including Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment that can copy car keys and fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and other details.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a kind of spare car key that allows the vehicle to be driven but it isn't able to unlock a trunk or a glove box. 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 vehicle of the customer. They are also used by private parties to gain access to cars in the event that the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.
The primary reason for using valet services is to deter theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' vehicles on fun rides. The valet key acts as an deterrent, making it more difficult to take the car. Valet keys are also useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car's glovebox or in the boot.
Modern valet keys have remained in the original functionality of key locks from the past and can open the door of a driver, but not the lock that is on the center console or in the trunk. Some luxury vehicles of high-end also include features that improve the security of the valet key for example, a limit on power output. This prevents the car from starting with the key unless the engine has been shut off.
These features are a good starting point, but the valet key has its flaws. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and are able to open them with the help of a crowbar. Additionally, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than those on regular replacement key fobs.
In certain situations, a valet key will not work as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key might stop working abruptly and the owner could require a locksmith to have it replaced. In the case of a malfunctioning key, it is important to have an extra.
Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require an additional key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to replace your car key, it is helpful if you have the year and model of your vehicle.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys have a simple design at the edges, and are easy for locksmiths to make. They don't come with an electronic transponder, and therefore don't require encoding. They are made from nickel or brass and therefore more durable. They are also able to be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive usage.
A spare key can keep you from losing your car and going through the hassle of having to re-key it. It is recommended to keep it separate from your keychain to ensure it is easy to locate. You can give it to someone you trust who will drive your car in the event that you lock yourself out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable prices. They typically have a machine called KeyMe that allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. You can locate an outlet near your location by checking their website. Some of them also make key fobs for push button start cars.
Contact us prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also look online to see what kind of keys they are able to make. Some locksmiths may not be able make keys for high security locks.
You'll need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you own one. Before they can create you a new key they'll need to prove that you own the vehicle. To do this, they'll need evidence of your ownership, such as your registration or title.
If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both of them will be able to create you a spare key swiftly and cost-effectively. They'll be able to duplicate your original key or in a position to give you an uncut key that can be programmed to match the car's system. You'll be required to know the year, make and model of your vehicle in order to have an extra key made.
Transponder Keys
Contrary to traditional keys that utilize metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. When the key is activated the microchip emits an low-level signal. The signal is a digital serial number that is matched with the key's code in the car's computer system. The immobilizer system of your vehicle is activated when the correct code matches.
Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys also make it harder to duplicate your car keys. Some cars will not start when you use the wrong key (except for keys that are not transponder). As such, they are the preferred option for those who want to lower the likelihood that your car could be stolen or copied.
If you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if you lose them, it's crucial to have a spare key made as quickly as possible. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can repair your key fob or create an uncut key that can be paired with a switchblade key in order to give you the same functionality as your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be expensive, but they are often cheaper than having your vehicle towed after theft. It's also less time-consuming than going to an auto dealer.
In addition to re-making the broken or lost key, an automotive locksmith can repair damaged ignitions and other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for various makes and models of vehicles and are a great option if you need to replace your spare key or lose key.
car key spare near me to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from getting it lost or misplaced. It will also make it easier to find your car if you are in a rush. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a public area, you can keep it under the dashboard or in a secure compartment in your car.
Remote Keys
Most modern cars require a key fob in addition to a traditional car key. Key fobs are small transmitter that appears more like an iPhone than a real car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing one button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars even have the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful when you need to squeeze into a cramped space.
Sometimes, keys to cars aren't working at the most inconvenient possible moment. You might be at a gas station, on your route to get groceries, or returning home after a busy day when you realize that you've forgotten the spare key. This can be extremely frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores can repair and provide new key replacements right on the spot.
If your vehicle is equipped with remote keys, they will have a chip that needs to programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car key. We can do this while you wait, typically in less than 30 minutes which is enough time to complete your daily errands, and then pick up your car keys.
Bring your key to one of our stores to have it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key/fob, we will need to know the car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.
If you are having trouble with your car keys, or you're interested in getting a spare key made for peace of mind go to your local Mister Minit store today. We have the equipment and expertise to make a spare key that will last for the rest of your life. Keep it safe!