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Types of Car Spare Keys If you've lost your keys while grocery shopping or put it down to get your cup of coffee, losing keys to your car can happen. Keep an extra 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 to find current prices and more information. Valet keys Valet keys let the vehicle run, but they do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are a less expensive option than a regular replacement car key. Most often, they are employed by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of customers. However they can also be employed by private parties to get into the car in the event that the owner's remote key fob battery goes out. The main reason for using valet keys is to stop theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for joyrides and the valet keys can act as a deterrent to make it more difficult to take the vehicle. Valet keys are also helpful for those who have valuables in the glovebox or boot of their cars. Modern valet keys retain the original function of older key locks and can unlock a door for drivers, but not the lock on the central console or the trunk. Certain luxury vehicles that are high-end contain features that increase the security of the valet keys for example, a limit on power output. This prevents the car from starting with the key unless the engine is turned off. These features are a great starting point however, the valet key comes with drawbacks. For instance, some criminals are aware of the limitations of these keys and can make use of the bar to force them open. Additionally, some valet keys have weaker locks than those on normal replacement key fobs. In some cases the valet key may not function as expected in particular if it's been damaged or dropped. The key may cease to function abruptly and the owner may have to call an expert locksmith to repair it. In the event of a key malfunction it is crucial to have a spare. If you're in need of a new car key, or have lost your Attendant Key go to your local Mister Minit store to have a duplicate made. It is beneficial to have the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle when you go in to request an replacement. Traditional Keys Traditional keys are simple in design around the edges and are easy for locksmiths make. They don't contain transponders and do not require encoders. They are typically made from brass or nickel, which makes them sturdier and robust. They can also be able to withstand rough handling and usage. A spare key can prevent you from losing your car and having to go through the hassle of re-keying it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easier to locate. You can give it to someone you trust who will drive your car in the event you lock yourself out. Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable prices. They typically have a machine called KeyMe that allows you to easily make copies of your standard keys within minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to turn on cars by pushing buttons. It is recommended to call ahead before heading to a store offering these services. You can also visit their website to see the types of keys that they are able to make. Certain locksmiths might not be able to make keys for high security locks. If you have a smart key, you'll need to obtain a replacement from the dealer. They must verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can create a new one for you. To do this, they'll require proof of your ownership such as your registration or title. If you have an old key, visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both of them will be able to make you a spare key swiftly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate the key you have or give you an unprogrammable key that is blank. They will require the year model, make, and year of your car to do that, so you'll need to have this information on hand if you're planning on going to these locations to get your spare key made. Transponder Keys Contrary to traditional keys that make use of metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. When the key is activated by the microchip, it sends an unintentional signal. The signal contains a serial number which matches the key code stored in your vehicle's computers. When the correct code is matched the immobilizer system of your car disarms so that the engine can begin. In addition to providing greater security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. Certain cars won't start if you use a key that is not correct (except for keys that aren't transponder). This is why they are the preferred option when you want to decrease the chance that your vehicle is stolen or duplicated. If you lose or have your transponder keys stolen you should have a replacement made as soon as you can. Fortunately, many automotive locksmiths can repair your key fob, or make keys that are blank and can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key to provide the same function as the original key. Transponder key replacements can be an expensive project, but it's often cheaper than having your vehicle towed and retrieved after theft. It can also be quicker than going to a dealership. In addition to re-making the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can also make duplicate keys for all kinds and models of automobiles which makes them an excellent choice if you require a replacement or lost yours. It's important to keep your spare car keys in a safe place, not tied to your keychain. This will help you avoid accidentally misplacing or losing it, and it will also aid in finding your car in case you're in a rush. If you are worried about keeping your spare car key visible, place it hidden under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment. Remote Keys Most modern cars require a key fob in addition to the traditional car key. A key fob looks more like a smartphone, rather than a car key. A key fob is able to unlock and lock your car by pressing the button. You can also start your car remotely. Some cars even come with the option of “summoning” your car by pressing a button much like Tesla's summon feature. This is great when you need to squeeze into a small space. Car keys can malfunction at the most difficult times. replacing car keys without spare could be at a petrol station, heading to get groceries, or simply driving home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for a second and then realize you forgot to carry a spare key with you. This can be very frustrating! Luckily, a majority of our stores can repair and make new key replacements on the spot. If your vehicle has remote keys, they has a chip which requires programming. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate your transponder car key. We can duplicate your transponder key while you wait. It usually takes less than 30 minutes. You have plenty of time to run through your routine before picking keys. You will have to bring your current keys to be able to have it copied at one of our stores. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle to duplicate the correct fob or key for your particular car. If you are having trouble with your car keys, or if you're just interested in getting a spare key made for peace of mind go to your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and know-how to create a spare car key that can last for a lifetime. Make sure you keep it somewhere safe!