7 Essential Tips For Making The The Most Of Your Car Spare Key
Types of Car Spare Keys
If you've lost your keys during grocery shopping or you put it down to go get your cup of coffee, losing keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare car key and check places where you often leave your keys.
Some supermarkets, such as Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment that can copy keys for cars and fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and additional information.
Valet keys
Valet keys let the vehicle run, but do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are a less expensive option than a regular replacement car key. They are usually employed by hotel valet attendants and mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of the customer. They can be used by private parties to gain access to cars when the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.
The primary reason to use valet keys is to deter theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on joy rides. The valet key serves as an deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who keep valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their cars.
Modern valet keys have retained the original function of key locks from the past and can open a driver's door but not the lock on the central console or the trunk. Some high-end luxury vehicles also have features that enhance the security of the valet key for example, a limit on power output. This will prevent the vehicle from being started without the engine turning off.
These features are a great start, but the valet key comes with shortcomings. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs, and can open them with a crowbar. In addition, some valet keys have weaker locks than those found on regular replacement key fobs.
In certain situations, a valet key will not function as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key might stop working suddenly, and the owner may need to contact a locksmith to have it replaced. In the event of a key malfunction, it is important 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 replace your car key, it is helpful if you have the year and make of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys have a simple design at the edges, and are easy for locksmiths make. They don't have a transponder, and so they don't require encryption. They are made from nickel or brass and therefore are more durable. They also can withstand rough handling and harsh usage.
A spare key will help you avoid having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easy to find. You can give it to someone you trust who will drive your car in the event you lock yourself out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. KeyMe is typically found in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some of them make key fobs to push button start cars.
It is best to contact us prior to heading to a store offering these services. You can also visit their website to find out the kinds of keys they can create. Certain locksmiths might not be able to create keys for locks with high security.
You'll need to change your smart key at the dealership, if you have one. Before they can create you a new key they'll need to confirm that you own the vehicle. To verify this, they will need evidence of your ownership, such as the registration or title.
If you have a conventional key then you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both of them will be able to create your spare key quickly and cost-effectively. They can duplicate the key you have or give you an unprogrammable key that is blank. You will have to know the year and 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 utilize metal contacts to open the lock or to start the vehicle. When the key is turned on the microchip emits an unintentional signal. The signal contains an identification number that corresponds to the key code stored in your vehicle's computer. When the correct code is found, the car's immobilizer system disarms and allows the engine to begin.
In addition to providing greater security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some vehicles will not start if the wrong type of key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). These keys are the best option if you want to minimize the risk of your vehicle being stolen or copied.
If blog lose or have your transponder keys stolen, you must get a new one made as soon as you can. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can swap the key fob or design a blank key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key to provide the same function as your original key.
A transponder key replacement may be a costly undertaking, but it's often cheaper than paying to have your vehicle tow and recovered after a theft. In addition, it can be quicker than going to an auto dealer.
In addition to being able to repair or replace your lost or broken key an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for various makes and models of vehicles, so they're a great option if you require replacement of the spare key or have lost key.
It is essential to keep your spare car keys secure and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to find your car when you're in a rush. If you're worried about keeping your spare car key visible, store it under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment.
Remote Keys
Most modern cars require keys in addition to a traditional metal car key. A key fob is a small transmitter that looks more like an iphone than a car key. A key fob is able to unlock and lock your car with the press of an appropriate button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Some cars have the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is great if you have to squeeze into a small space.
Car keys can sometimes stop working at the most difficult times. You could be at a gas station, or on your way to get groceries, or driving home after a busy day when you realize that you've forgotten the spare key. It can be quite frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores are able to repair and make new key replacements immediately.
If your vehicle is equipped with an electronic remote key, it will have a chip that needs to programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the necessary equipment to duplicate your transponder key. We can duplicate your transponder key while you wait. This usually takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to complete through your routine before picking up the keys.
Bring your key to one of our shops to get it duplicated. We will need to know the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct key or fob for your specific car.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or you wish to be secure. We have the equipment and expertise to make an extra key that will last for a lifetime. Keep it secure!