10 Car Spare Key Tricks All Experts Recommend

Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if dropped your car key while shopping, or put it down while you were getting your coffee. Keep a spare car key and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys.

Some supermarkets, such as Save Mart and H-E-B, have a self-service key duplication machine which can copy car keys and fobs. Visit their website for current prices and other details.

Valet keys

Valet keys are a type of car key that permits the vehicle to be driven, but does not unlock a trunk or glove box. They are a cheaper option than a standard replacement car key. Most often, they are employed by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of customers. They can also be used by private parties to gain access to a car when the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.

The primary reason to use a valet key is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on rides. Valet keys act as an effective deterrent, making it difficult to take the car. Valet keys can also be beneficial for those who regularly leave valuables in their car glovebox or boot.

Modern valet keys preserve the original functionality of older lock keys. They can still open the door to the driver's side, but not the console lock or trunk lock. Certain luxury cars come with security features like a restricted power output. This stops the vehicle from being started using the key unless the engine is turned off.

These features are a great beginning but the valet key comes with shortcomings. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs and are able to open them with the help of a Crowbar. Some valet keys also have less secure locks compared to the standard replacement key fobs.

In some cases the valet key may not function as planned especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key might cease to function suddenly and the owner could need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. In the case of a malfunctioning key, it is important to have a spare.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need a new key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it is important to know the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys are simple at the edges, and are easy for locksmiths to create. They don't contain an electronic transponder, and therefore don't require encoding. They are typically made from brass or nickel, which makes them more robust and robust. They are also able to handle rough handling and use.

A spare key can prevent you from losing your car and going through the hassle of re-keying it. It is an ideal idea to keep one somewhere separate from your keychain so it is easy to find. You can leave it with a family member you are confident to drive your car in the event that you need to get locked out.

Many national chains of home improvement and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable costs. They usually have a machine called KeyMe that allows you to quickly duplicate your keys in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you.  spare key replacement  of them also create key fobs for cars that have a push button start.

Contact us prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also go to their website to find out the kinds of keys they are able to make. Certain locksmiths might not be able to create keys for high security locks.

You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you own one. They will need to verify 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 ownership like the registration or title.

If you have a conventional key you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able to make your replacement key quickly and at a reasonable price. They will be able to duplicate your key from the beginning, or they will be able to provide you with a blank key that could be programmed to match the car's system. They will require the year model, make, and year of your vehicle to accomplish this, so you'll want to have that information handy if you are planning on going to these locations to have your spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Contrary to traditional keys that make use of metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. The microchip sends out a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. The signal is an identification number that matches the key code that is stored in your vehicle's computers. When the correct code is found the immobilizer in your car disarms so that the engine can start.

Besides providing more security, transponder keys also make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some cars won't start in the event that the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). As such, they are the preferred option when you want to decrease the likelihood that your car will get stolen or duplicated.

If you've lost or had your transponder keys stolen you should have a replacement made as soon as possible. Many locksmiths in the automotive industry are able to repair your key fob, or create an empty switchblade key that can be joined with your original key.

A transponder key replacement can be a costly undertaking however, it's usually less expensive than paying to have your car towed and recovered following theft. It's also quicker than going to an auto dealer.

A locksmith can replace your lost or broken key and can also fix your ignition and other car hardware. They can duplicate keys for a variety of kinds of models and makes of vehicles, so they're a great option if you require a replacement for your spare or lost key.

It is essential to store your spare car keys somewhere safe, and not tied to your keychain. This will prevent you from 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're worried about putting your spare key in a public location, try keeping it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment of your vehicle.

Remote Keys

Most modern cars require the use of a key fob in addition to a traditional metal car key. Key fobs are small transmitter that appears more like a smartphone than an actual car key. A key fob is able to unlock and lock your car by pressing a button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.

Some cars even have the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful when you need to squeeze into a cramped space.

Sometimes, car keys stop working at the worst possible moment. You could be at a gas station, en route to pick up some groceries, or perhaps returning home from a long day when you put your keys down for a second and then realize that you forgot to bring a spare key along with you. This can be frustrating! Most of our stores can repair and replace keys on the spot.

If your car is equipped with a remote key, it has tiny chips inside that must be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car key. We can do this while you wait, usually in less than 30 minutes which is plenty of time to complete your daily errands, and then pick the keys to your car.

Bring your key to one of our shops to have it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key or 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 have peace of mind. We have the expertise and tools to make keys that last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it in a safe place!