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Blog entry by Lenore Soileau

What Car Spare Key Should Be Your Next Big Obsession

What Car Spare Key Should Be Your Next Big Obsession

Types of Car Spare Keys

Lexus.jpgIt doesn't matter if you've lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to go get your cup of coffee, losing keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare car key in your possession 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 keys to homes, and occasionally car keys and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and other details.

Valet keys

Valet keys let the vehicle run, but do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are a cheaper option than a regular replacement car key. They are typically employed by hotel valet attendants and mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of the customer. However, they can also be employed by a private party to gain entry into the vehicle in the event that the remote key fob battery is not working.

The primary reason to employ valet services is to deter theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take cars of customers for rides, and the valet key can be used as a deterrent by making it harder to steal the vehicle. Valet keys are also helpful for those who have valuables in the glovebox or trunk of their cars.

Modern valet keys have retained the original functionality of key locks from the past and are able to open a driver's door but not the lock on the central console or trunk. Some high-end luxury cars also include security features, such as a limited power output. This prevents the vehicle from being started with the key unless the engine is turned off.

These features are a great start, but the valet key comes with flaws. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys and can make use of an crowbar to force them open. In addition, some valet keys have weaker locks than those on normal replacement key fobs.

In certain situations the valet key might not function as intended, especially if it has been damaged or dropped. The key may be unable to function for a short time and the owner will need to contact an expert locksmith to replace it. It is important to ensure that you have a valid spare key in the event of this happening.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require an additional key for your car or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it's helpful if you have the year and make of your vehicle.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys due to their an easy edge design. They do not have a transponder, so they do not require encoding. They are made of brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They can also be able to withstand rough handling and usage.

A spare key can make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make a spare car key it easy to locate. You can even leave it with a family member whom you can trust to drive your car in the event that you ever lock yourself out.

Many hardware stores and national chains of home improvement offer key duplication services at affordable prices. The KeyMe machine is generally available at these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to start cars using push buttons.

It is best to call ahead before heading to a shop that offers these services. You can also check their website to find out the types of keys that they can make. Some may not be able of making keys for high-security locks therefore you'll need to visit a locksmith in these cases.

You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you have one. They must verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they create a new one for you. To verify this, they'll need evidence of your ownership, like the registration or title.

If you have an old key, go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able to make your replacement key quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. They can duplicate the key you have or give you an unprogrammable key that is blank. 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 on hand if you're planning on going to these locations to have your spare key for my car key made.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys contain electronic microchips embedded in the head. This is different from traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to open the lock or to start the vehicle. When the key is activated by the microchip, it sends an low-level signal. The signal contains a serial number which corresponds to the key code stored in the computer of your vehicle. If the correct code is found, the car's immobilizer system disarms so that the engine can begin.

In addition to providing greater security, transponder keys make it harder to duplicate your car key. Some cars won't start when you use a key that is not correct (except for keys that are not transponder). They are therefore the best option if you are looking to reduce the chance of your vehicle being stolen or copied.

If you lose or have your transponder keys stolen, you should get a spare car keys made made as soon as possible. Many automotive locksmiths are able to repair your key fob, or design a blank switchblade key that can be paired with your original key.

Transponder key replacements can be expensive, but they are often less expensive than having your car towing after a the theft. In addition, it can be faster than visiting a dealership.

In addition to being able to repair or replace your broken or lost keys, an automotive locksmith can repair damaged ignitions and other components in your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for various makes and models of vehicles and are an excellent choice if you require a replacement for your spare keys cut or lost key.

It's important to keep your spare car keys safe and not on your keychain. This will prevent you from the risk of losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to find your car when you're in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a prominent location, try keeping it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment of your vehicle.

Remote Keys

In modern vehicles keys are needed in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. The key fob appears like a smartphone, rather than a car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car using a button. It also allows you to start your vehicle remotely.

Some cars come with the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button, much like Tesla's summon feature. This is useful if you need to get into a tight parking spot.

Car keys can sometimes stop working at the most inconvenient moments. You could be at a petrol station, en route to pick up some groceries, or simply returning home after a long day when 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 can repair and replace keys immediately.

If your car has a remote key, it will have an embedded chip that needs to be programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can do this while you wait, typically within less than 30 mins which is enough time to complete your errands and then pick up the car keys.

You'll require bringing your current key with you to get it copied at one of our locations. We will need to know the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct key/fob for your particular car.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car keys or want to feel secure. We have the tools and experience to make an extra key that will last for a lifetime. Just be sure to keep it in a safe place!

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