Why Car Spare Key Should Be Your Next Big Obsession

Types of Car Spare Keys Whether you lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to go get your coffee, the loss of car keys happens. Keep an extra car key and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys. Some supermarkets, like Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication machines that can copy car keys and fobs. Visit their website for current prices and other details. Valet Keys Valet keys are a kind of car key that permits the vehicle to be driven, but it isn't able to unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are a cheaper option than a standard replacement key. They are usually employed by hotel valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's vehicle. They can also be used by private parties to gain access to a vehicle in the event that 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' cars on fun rides. Valet keys act as an effective deterrent, making it difficult to take the car. Valet keys are also useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car boot or glovebox. Modern valet keys have retained the original functions of the older locks, and they can still unlock a door for drivers, but not the lock that is on the center console or the trunk. Some luxury vehicles of high-end also have features that enhance the security of the valet keys like a limited power output. This stops the vehicle from starting with the key unless the engine has been shut off. These features are a good beginning however, the valet key has its drawbacks. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and are able to force them open with the help of a crowbar. Additionally, some valet keys have weaker locks than those on regular replacement key fobs. In certain situations, a valet key will not function as planned especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key could 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 important to have an extra. Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need a new key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. It is beneficial to have the YEAR and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle when you visit to get an replacement. Traditional Keys Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys because they have simple edges. They do not come with an electronic transponder, which means they don't require the use of encoding. They are typically made from brass or nickel, which makes them stronger and more robust. They are also able to be able to withstand rough handling and usage. A spare key can make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car should you lose it. Keep it apart from your keychain to make it easier to locate. You can leave it with a friend or family member who you trust to drive your car if you need to get locked out. Most hardware stores and national chains of home improvement provide key duplication services at affordable prices. They typically have a device called KeyMe, which allows you to quickly duplicate your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Going At this website of them 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 check online to find out what kind of keys they can make. Certain locksmiths might not be able make keys for locks with high security. You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you own one. They will need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can create a new one for you. To do this, they'll need evidence of your ownership, such as your registration or title. If you have a traditional key, you can go to an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able make your replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate your original key or give you an unprogrammable key that is blank. You'll be required to know the year and make of your vehicle in order to have a spare key made. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are microchips embedded in the head. This is distinct from traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the vehicle. The microchip emits a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. The signal contains an identification number that matches the key code that is stored in the computer of your vehicle. The immobilizer system of your vehicle is turned off when the correct code matches. Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys make it harder to duplicate your car keys. Some cars won't start if you use the wrong key (except for those that aren't transponder). These keys are the best choice if you are looking to reduce the chance of your car being stolen or copied. If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if you lose them, it is essential to have a replacement key made as soon as you can. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can replace your key fob or create an uncut key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key to provide the same function as your original key. A transponder key replacement can be an expensive project, but it's often cheaper than having your car towed and recovered after a theft. In addition, it can be faster than visiting the dealership. A locksmith can repair or replace the key that is broken or lost and can also fix your ignition and other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of kinds of models and makes of vehicles and are an ideal choice if need to replace your spare key or lose it. It's important to keep your spare car key somewhere safe, and not tied to your keychain. This will stop you from accidentally misplacing or losing it, and it will also aid in finding your car in case you're in a rush. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a public place, try to keep it under the dashboard or in a secret compartment of your vehicle. Remote Keys In modern vehicles, a key fob is required in addition to traditional car keys made of metal. A key fob is a small transmitter that looks more like an iphone than a car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. You can also start your car remotely. Some cars come with the option of “summoning” your vehicle by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is great when you need to squeeze into a cramped space. Sometimes car keys fail to function at the worst possible time. You may be at a gas station, or on your way to get groceries, or returning back home after a long day when you realize that you forgot your spare key. This can be very frustrating! Luckily, a majority of our stores are able to repair and make new key replacements immediately. If your car has a remote key, it will have tiny chips inside that must be programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can duplicate your transponder car key while you wait. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. You have plenty of time to run around before you pick 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 car in order to duplicate the correct key or fob for your particular car. If you are having trouble with your car key or you're interested in getting an extra key to keep you safe, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and experience to make an extra car key that can last a lifetime. Make sure you keep it in a safe place!