10 Car Spare Key Tips All Experts Recommend

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It doesn’t matter if lost your car keys during a shopping trip or put it away when you went to get your coffee. Be sure to keep a spare key and check the areas where you are likely to leave your keys before heading out.

Some supermarkets, such as Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication machines which can copy keys for cars and fobs. For more information and current key prices, see their website.

Valet keys

Valet keys allow the vehicle to run, but they do not unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are a cheaper option than a regular replacement car key. They are typically employed by hotel valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to the customer’s car. They can be employed by private parties to gain access to a car in the event that the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.

The main reason for using a valet key is to deter theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers’ vehicles for rides and the valet keys can act as a deterrent by making it harder to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can be useful for those who often leave valuables in their car’s glovebox or boot.

Modern valet keys maintain the original functionality of older lock keys. They can open the driver’s side door but not the console lock or trunk lock. Some luxury vehicles of high-end also contain features that increase the security of the valet keys for example, a limit on power output. This will prevent the vehicle from being started without turning the engine off.

These features are a great starting point but the valet key comes with drawbacks. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs, and can open them with a crowbar. Some valet keys also have less secure locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.

In certain situations, the valet key may not function as expected in particular if it’s been damaged or dropped. The key could be unable to function for a short time and the owner will have to call an expert locksmith to repair it. It is crucial to make sure that you have a spare key in the event of this happening.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need a new key for your car or lost your Attendant Key. It is a good idea to have the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle handy when you come in for the replacement.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys due to their simple edges. They do not have a transponder, so they do not require encryption. They are made from brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They can also withstand rough handling and harsh use.

A spare key will help you avoid having to rekey your car should you lose it. It is a good idea to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so it is easy to locate. You can even leave it with a friend or family member who you are confident to drive your car if you ever get locked out.

Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. They usually have a machine called KeyMe that allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys within minutes. You can locate stores near you by visiting their website. Some of them can also make key fobs for cars that have a push button start.

Contact us prior to visiting a store offering these services. You can also search online to find out what kind of keys they are able to make. Some might not be able to make keys for high-security locks which is why you’ll have to visit an locksmith in those instances.

You’ll need to change your smart key spare at the dealership, if you own one. They’ll need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can make a new one for you. To do this, they’ll require evidence of your ownership, such as the registration or title.

If you own a traditional key you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able make a spare car key an exchange key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate the key you have or give you a blank, programmable key. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle to accomplish this, so you’ll be required to keep that information handy if you are planning to visit these locations to get your spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Contrary to traditional keys that utilize metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. The microchip sends out a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. The signal is the serial number that corresponds to the key code stored in your vehicle’s computers. When the correct code is matched, the car’s immobilizer system disarms so that the engine can begin.

Besides providing more security, transponder keys also make it harder to duplicate your car key. In fact, some vehicles will not start when the wrong key is used (except for non-transponder keys). This is why they are the preferred option when you want to decrease the chance that your vehicle could be stolen or copied.

If you’ve lost or had lost your transponder keys, you should get a spare created as soon as you can. Fortunately, many automotive locksmiths can swap the key fob or design a blank key that can be paired with a switchblade to give you the same functionality like the original key.

Transponder key replacements can be an expensive project However, it’s typically less expensive than paying to have your vehicle tow and recovered after a theft. Additionally, it could be faster than visiting the dealership.

In addition to being able to replace your broken or lost keys an automotive locksmith can repair damaged ignitions and other parts of your vehicle. They can also make duplicate keys for a variety of types and makes of vehicles, so they are the best choice if you need a new spare car keys made or lost yours.

It’s essential to keep your spare car keys safe and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from accidentally losing or misplacing it as well as make finding your car easier in case you’re in a rush. If you’re concerned about keeping your spare car key visible, place it under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment.

Remote Keys

Most modern cars require a key fob in addition to a traditional car keys lost no spare key. Key fobs are tiny transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. You can also start your car remotely.

Some cars have the option to “summon” your car by pressing a button, similar to Tesla’s summon feature. This is a great option if you need to get into a tight parking space.

Car keys can stop working at the most difficult times. You might be at a gas station, on your way to buy some groceries, or perhaps driving home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for one second only to realize that you didn’t bring the spare key with you. This can be a nightmare! Luckily, a majority of our stores are able to repair and provide new keys on the spot.

If your car has a remote key it will have a chip that must be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit’s locations have the equipment needed to duplicate the transponder key. We can duplicate your transponder car keys while you wait. It usually takes less than 30 minutes. You’ll have plenty of time to complete errands before picking keys.

You’ll need to bring your current key with you in order to have it copied at one of our locations. To duplicate the correct fob or key we’ll need to know your car’s YEAR, MAKE, and MODEL.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or want to feel secure. We have the equipment and expertise to design an extra key that will last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it safe!