8 Tips To Up Your Car Spare Key Game

Types of Car Spare Keys Whether you lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to get your cup of coffee, losing keys to your car can happen. Be sure to keep an extra key and look over the areas where you are likely to leave your keys before going out. Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate keys to homes, and occasionally keys for cars and key fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and additional information. Valet Keys Valet keys are a type of car key that allows the vehicle to be driven, but it isn't able to unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are typically a less expensive alternative to a replacement key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of the customer. They are also used by private parties to gain access to a car in the event that the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead. The primary reason to use a valet key is to stop theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for joyrides, and the valet key could act as a deterrent by making it difficult for thieves to take the vehicle. Valet keys are also helpful for those who have valuables in the boot or glovebox of their cars. Modern valet keys preserve the original functions of older lock keys. They are able to open the driver's side door however, they cannot open the console or trunk lock. Some high-end luxury cars also have features that improve security, such as a limited power output. This prevents the vehicle being started without the engine being turned off. These features are a great start, but the valet key has its drawbacks. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and can make them open using the help of a bar. Certain keys for valet also have less secure locks compared to standard replacement key fobs. In some cases, the valet key may not function as intended particularly if it has been dropped or damaged. The key could cease to function suddenly and the owner might need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. In the case of a malfunctioning key it is essential to have a spare. Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require a new key for your car or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it is helpful if you have the YEAR and MAKE of your vehicle. Traditional Keys Traditional keys have a simple design at the edges, and are easy for locksmiths to make. They don't have an electronic transponder, and therefore do not require encryption. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore are more durable. They are also able to handle rough handling and use. A spare key can keep you from losing your car and going through the trouble of re-keying it. Keep one separate from your keychain to make it easy to find. You could even leave it with a family member whom you can trust to drive your car in the event that you lock yourself out. Many national chains of home improvement and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable prices. The KeyMe machine is generally found in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys from standard to modern in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to turn on cars using push buttons. Call ahead before going to a shop that offers these services. You can also go to their website to see the kinds of keys they can make. Some might not be able to create keys for locks with high security, which is why you'll have to go to an locksmith in those instances. If you have a smart key, you'll need to obtain a replacement from the dealer. They'll need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new one for you. They will require proof of ownership like the registration or title to prove that. If you have a conventional key, you can go to an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able to create you a spare key quickly and affordably. They can duplicate the key you have or provide you with a blank, programmable key. You will have to know the year and make and model of your vehicle in order to have an extra 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 to start the vehicle. When the key is turned on, this microchip sends a low-level signal. The signal is the serial number that corresponds to the key code stored in your vehicle's computer. When the correct code is matched, the car's immobilizer system disarms and allows the engine to begin. Transponder keys are not only more secure, they also make it difficult to duplicate the car key. Some cars will not start in the event that you use a key that is not correct (except for those 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 you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if they're stolen, it's crucial to have a backup key made as soon as you can. Many automotive locksmiths can replace your key fob, or design an empty switchblade key that can be paired with your original key. Transponder key replacements can cost a lot however, they are typically less expensive than having your car removed after a theft. It's also less time-consuming than going to the dealership. In addition to being able to repair or replace the broken or lost key, an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can also make duplicate keys for a variety of makes and models of cars, so they are a great choice when you need a new spare or lost your keys. It is essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and not on your keychain. This will help you avoid the risk of losing or misplacing it. It will also make it easier to locate your car if you are in a rush. If you are worried about leaving your spare car key visible, keep it in the car's dashboard or inside a secret compartment. Remote Keys The majority of modern cars require a key fob in addition to a traditional metal car key. Key fobs are small transmitter that looks more like an iphone than a car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car by pressing a single button. You can also start your car remotely. Some cars offer the option to “summon” your car with a single button press similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful if you need to get into a congested parking space. Sometimes car keys aren't working at the most inconvenient possible moment. You might be at the station, or on your way to pick up groceries, or heading back home after a long day only to realize you've lost your spare key. This can be extremely frustrating! The majority of our stores can repair and replace keys immediately. If your car has an electronic remote key, it has a chip that must be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder key. We can duplicate your transponder key while you are waiting. car spare key maker takes less than 30 minutes. You have plenty of time to complete through your routine before picking keys. Bring your key to one of our stores to get it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key/fob, we will need to know your vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL. If you're having issues with your car keys, or if you're looking to get a spare key made to keep you safe go to your local Mister Minit store today. We have the equipment and expertise to create keys that last for the rest of your life. Just be sure to keep it safe!