5 Car Spare Key Projects For Any Budget

Types of Car Spare Keys
It doesn't matter if lost your car keys while shopping or if you put it away when you went to get your coffee. Keep an extra car key and check places where you often leave your keys.
Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication equipment that can duplicate house keys, and sometimes keys for cars and key fobs. For more information and current key prices, see their website.
Valet keys
Valet keys are a form of car key that permits the vehicle to be driven but it isn't able to unlock a trunk or glove box. They are a cheaper option than a standard replacement key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of the customer. However they can also be used by a private party to get into the car in case the owner's remote key fob battery fails.
The main reason to use valets is to stop theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for rides and the valet keys can act as a deterrent by making it difficult for thieves to take the vehicle. Valet keys can be beneficial for those who regularly leave valuables in their car glovebox or boot.
Modern valet keys maintain the original functions of locks from earlier times. They are able to open the driver's side door, but not the trunk or console lock. Certain luxury vehicles that are high-end contain features that increase the security of the valet key for example, a limit on power output. This stops the vehicle from being started without turning the engine off.
While these features are a step in the right direction however, the valet key isn't without its shortcomings. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and can open them with the help of a crowbar. Certain keys for valet also have less secure locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.
In some cases the valet key may not work as expected particularly if it has been dropped or damaged. The key might stop working suddenly, and the owner may need to contact a locksmith to have it replaced. In the event of a key malfunction it is essential to have a spare.
If you are in need of an additional car key or have lost your Attendant Key, visit your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. When you visit Mister Minit to get your car key, it is beneficial to have the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys are simple around the edges and are simple for locksmiths to make. They don't come with an electronic transponder, and therefore do not require encryption. They are made of brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They also can withstand rough handling and harsh use.
A spare key can help you avoid having to rekey your car if you lose it. It is recommended to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so it is easy to locate. You could even leave it with a friend or family member whom you trust 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 prices. The KeyMe machine is usually available in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to start vehicles by pushing buttons.
Contact us prior to visiting a store offering these services. You can also look online to see what kind of keys they are capable of making. Some may not be able to create keys for high-security locks so you will need to find a locksmith in those cases.
If you have a smart key, you'll have to get an alternative from the dealership. Before they can make you a new key, they will need to verify that you have the vehicle. They will need evidence of ownership such as the registration or title to do that.
If spare key maker own a traditional key you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able make your replacement key quickly and at a cost that is reasonable. They will be able to duplicate the original key or capable of providing you with a blank key that can be programmed to work with your car's key system. They will require the year model, make, and year of your car to do that, so you'll want to have that information in your possession if you're planning to visit these locations to get your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
Unlike traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. The microchip sends out an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. 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 immobilizer in your car disarms and allows the engine to start.
Transponder keys aren't only more secure, they also make it harder to duplicate a car key. In fact, certain cars will not start if the wrong type of key is used (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 the keys to your car transponder chip or if they're stolen, it is essential to have a backup key made as quickly as you can. A lot of locksmiths for automotive are able to replace your key fob, or design a blank switchblade key that can be joined with your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be costly however, they are typically cheaper than having your vehicle removed after a the theft. Additionally, it can be faster than visiting the dealership.
A locksmith can repair or replace your broken or lost key and can also repair your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can also make duplicate keys for a variety of types and makes of vehicles, so they are a great choice when you need a spare or have lost yours.
It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will help you avoid accidentally losing or misplacing it, and it will also help you locate your car in case you're in a rush. If you're concerned about leaving your spare car key visible, place it in the car's dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys
The majority of modern cars require keys in addition to a traditional metal car key. A key fob looks more like a smartphone, rather than a car key. A key fob can be used to unlock and lock your car using an appropriate button. It also lets you start your vehicle remotely.
Certain cars allow you to "summon" your car by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful for those who need to get into a tight parking spot.
Sometimes, keys to cars stop working at the worst possible moment. You could be at a petrol station, on your way to buy some groceries, or simply returning home after a long day when you put your keys down for just an instant only to realize that you didn't bring a spare key along with you. This can be a nightmare! Most of our stores are able to repair and replace keys immediately.
If your vehicle has an electronic remote key, it has a chip which needs to programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the equipment needed to duplicate the transponder key. We can do this while you wait, usually in less than 30 minutes, which is enough time to complete your errands before picking up the car keys.
You will need to bring your current keys to be able to have it duplicated at one of our stores. We will need to know the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your car in order to duplicate the correct fob or key for your specific vehicle.
If you are having trouble with your car key or if you're just looking to have a spare key made to ensure your safety go to your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and know-how to design an extra car key that can last for a lifetime. Make sure it's safe!