5 Car Spare Key Lessons From The Professionals
Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if you've lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to go get your coffee, missing keys to cars can happen. 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 equipment that can copy house keys, and sometimes car keys and key fobs. For more information and current prices for keys, check their website.
Valet Keys
Valet keys allow the vehicle to be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are a cheaper option than a standard replacement car key. They are most often employed by hotel valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's car. However they can also be used by a private party to get into the car in the event that the remote key fob battery is not working.
The main reason for using a valet key is to deter theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for joy rides, and the valet key could act as a deterrent to make it harder to take the vehicle. Valet keys can also be useful for those who often leave valuables in their car glovebox or in the boot.
Modern valet keys preserve the original function of older lock keys. They can still open the driver's side door however, they cannot open the trunk or console lock. Some luxury vehicles of high-end 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 good start but the valet key comes with drawbacks. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and can open them with a Crowbar. Valet keys can also have weaker locks as compared to the standard replacement key fobs.
In some cases, the valet key may not function as intended in particular if it's been damaged or dropped. The key might stop working abruptly, and the owner may need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. In the event of a key malfunction, it is important to have an extra.
If you're in the need of a new car key, or have lost your Attendant Key, visit your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. It is beneficial to have the year and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle handy when you visit for an replacement.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys since they have an easy edge design. They don't have a transponder, so they do not require encoding. They are usually made of nickel or brass, making them sturdier and durable. They are also able to endure rough handling and severe usage.
A spare key can prevent you from losing your car and having to go through the hassle of having to re-key it. It is recommended to keep it separate from your keychain so it is easy to locate. You can give it to someone you trust to drive your vehicle in the event that you lock yourself out.
Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. They typically have a device called KeyMe, which allows you to quickly duplicate your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some of them can 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 check their website to see the types of keys that they are able to make. Certain locksmiths might not be able to make keys for high security locks.
You'll need to change your smart key at the dealership if you own one. Before they can issue you a new key, they will need to verify that you own the vehicle. To verify this, they will need evidence of your ownership, like the registration or title.
If you own a traditional key, you can go to an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both of them will be able to make you a spare key quickly and cost-effectively. They can duplicate your original key or provide you with an unprogrammable, blank key. You'll have to know the year and make of your vehicle to get an extra key made.
Transponder Keys
Unlike traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. The microchip sends out an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. The signal contains the serial number that corresponds to the key code stored in the computer of your vehicle. When the correct code is matched the immobilizer in your car disarms and allows the engine to begin.
Transponder keys are not only more secure, they also make it more difficult to duplicate a car key. Certain cars won't start in the event that you use the wrong key (except for those that aren't transponder). As G28 Car Keys , they are the preferred option if you want to reduce the possibility that your car could be stolen or copied.
If you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if they're stolen, it is essential to have a replacement key made as soon as you can. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can repair your key fob or create an uncut key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key to give you the same functionality as your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be expensive however, they are typically cheaper than having your vehicle removed after a the theft. Additionally, it could be less time-consuming than visiting the dealership.
A locksmith can replace your broken or lost key and can also fix your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can also duplicate keys for many types of automobiles and makes which makes them an ideal choice if require replacement of your spare key or lose it.
It's essential to leave your spare car key in a safe place, not connected to your keychain. This will help you avoid the risk of losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to locate your car when you're in a hurry. If you are worried about leaving your spare car key visible, store it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys
Modern cars need a key fob in addition to a traditional metal car key. A key fob is a small transmitter that appears more like an iphone than a car key. Key fobs can unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing a single button. It also allows you to start your car remotely.
Some cars even come with the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful in situations where you have to squeeze into a tight space.
Sometimes, keys to cars stop working at the worst possible moment. You could be at a gas station, en route to get groceries, or simply returning home from an exhausting day. You put your keys down for just a second and then realize you forgot to bring the spare key with you. This can be very frustrating! Most of our stores are able to repair and replace keys on the spot.
If your car has a remote key it will have a chip that requires programming. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder key. We can duplicate your transponder key while you are waiting. This usually takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to run errands before picking up the keys.
You will require bringing your current keys to get it copied at one of our locations. To duplicate the correct key/fob we'll require information about your car's YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.
Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car keys or you wish to be secure. We'll have the tools and know-how to make an extra car key that can last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it in a safe place!