Why Car Spare Key Will Be Your Next Big Obsession

Types of Car Spare Keys Whether you lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to get your coffee, missing car keys happens. Keep a spare car key and look for places where you regularly leave your keys. Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines which can copy house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and additional information. Valet keys Valet keys allow the vehicle to 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 used by hotel valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to the customer's car. 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 goes out. The main reason to use a valet is to prevent theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for rides and the valet keys could act as a deterrent, making it harder to take the vehicle. Valet keys are also helpful for people who leave valuables in the glovebox or boot of their cars. spare keys for cars maintain the original functionality of locks from earlier times. They are able to open the door to the driver's side however, they cannot open the console or trunk lock. Some high-end luxury vehicles also have features that enhance the security of the valet key for example, a limit on power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without turning the engine off. While these features are a step in the right direction however, the valet key isn't without its shortcomings. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and can open them with a crowbar. In addition, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than those on normal replacement key fobs. In certain situations the valet key might not function as intended, especially if it has been damaged or dropped. The key may stop working suddenly and the owner may have to contact an expert locksmith to replace it. In the event of a key malfunction it is crucial to have a spare. Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require an additional key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. It is beneficial to have the year and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle in hand when you visit to get a replacement. Traditional Keys Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys because they have an easy edge design. They do not have a transponder, so they don't require encoding. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore more durable. They also can be able to withstand rough handling and usage. Having a spare key can prevent you from losing your car and having to go through the trouble of re-keying it. It is an ideal idea to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so that it is easy to find. You can leave it with a family member whom you are confident to drive your car in the event that you ever lock yourself out. Most hardware stores and national chains of home improvement offer key duplication services for affordable costs. They typically have a device called KeyMe that allows you to easily make copies of your standard keys within minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some stores make key fobs to push button start cars. It is recommended to contact us prior to heading to a shop that offers these services. You can also look online to determine what kind of keys they can make. Some may not be able to create keys for high-security locks so you will need to go to an locksmith in those instances. You'll need to change your smart key at the dealership, if you own one. They will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can create a new key for you. To verify this, they'll require evidence of your ownership, like the registration or title. If you have an old key, go to an auto parts store or locksmith. Both of them will be able to make you a spare key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They will be able to duplicate your key from the beginning, or they will be able to provide you with an uncut key that can be programmed to match your car's key system. You will need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle to get a spare key made. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are electronic microchips embedded in the head. This is different from traditional keys which use metal contacts to open the lock or start the vehicle. When the key is turned on by the microchip, it sends an unintentional signal. The signal contains a serial number which corresponds to the key code stored in your vehicle's computers. When the correct code is matched the immobilizer system of your car disarms so that the engine can begin. Besides providing more security, transponder keys also make it more difficult to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some cars won't start when the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). They are therefore the best option if wish to reduce the chances of your car being stolen or copied. If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if you lose them, it's crucial to have a replacement key made as quickly as possible. A lot of locksmiths for automotive are able to replace your key fob, or create an empty switchblade key that can be linked with your original key. Transponder key replacements can be expensive However, it's typically less expensive than having your car towed and recovered after theft. It can also be quicker than visiting a dealership. In addition to being able to repair or replace the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions as well as other components in your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for various kinds of models and makes of vehicles, so they're an ideal choice if need to replace the spare key or have lost key. It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe, and not tied to your keychain. This will stop you from getting it lost or misplaced as well as help you locate your car if you're in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare car key visible, store it under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment. Remote Keys In most modern cars, a key fob is required in addition to the traditional car keys made of metal. Key fobs look more like a smartphone, rather than a car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car with the press of a button. It also allows you to start your vehicle remotely. Some cars offer the option of “summoning” your vehicle by pressing a button, much like Tesla's summon feature. This is useful when you need to squeeze into a small space. Car keys may stop working at the most inconvenient moments. You may be at the gas station, or on your way to get groceries, or returning back home after a long day, only to discover that you've forgotten the spare key. This can be frustrating! Luckily, a majority of our stores are able to repair and create new keys on the spot. If your car is equipped with remote keys, they has a chip which needs to programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car keys. We can do this while you wait, generally in less than 30 minutes, which is enough time to run your errands before picking up the 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 vehicle to duplicate the correct key/fob for your specific car. Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or if you want to be secure. We have the tools and experience to make an extra key that will last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it secure!