What Is A Valet Key And How Does It Work? - Vehicle Freak

• Eric Schindel

Updated on May 2, 2022

We are going to look at what valet keys are and how they work. We want you to feel confident using one if you need to. You will find that a valet key will be received with your normal keys.

This is done with sports cars and luxury cars. You will find that this is a special key that will open your door and start your car, however, you cannot open the trunk or glove compartment. This is a spare key, with a twist.

However, this is often offered for higher-end vehicles. Some of the most common producers of these keys include Audi and BMW.

What is a Valet Key?

There are many places that offer valet parking; however, do you trust them with the vehicle? It is likely that you do not want people going through your items and that is why you should hand them your valet key. That is what it is made for.

However, what is the difference between your key and the valet key?

The valet key will be a key that will have not as many options as yours will. The valet key is going to be much simpler. In general, you will find that a valet key will open your doors and start the engine, that is it. It will not allow the valet to get into your trunk or glove compartment. This means that your car is safer from theft.

Where Do I Get a Valet Key?

If you are purchasing a car, you will find yourself with two sets of keys. This is a master set and a spare. The master keys are black, and the valet keys are going to be your spare and will be gray.

Keep in mind that modern cars will not have valet keys because they do not even have keys. There is a remote keyless entry that is utilized. You will not get a valet key with these types of vehicles; however, you will find that you get something about the same.

Using Modern Valet Keys

As we talked about above, there are cars that do not even use a key to start. What does this mean for you and your valet parking keys? Well, there is something similar that you will get. The new keys will still only allow you in on the driver’s side and will still allow you to start the engine, however, that is it.

The fob that you will get is not going to have the electronics needed to operate the rest of the vehicle. This means that you can only use your valet key to start the engine. This is helpful to reduce theft in valet vehicles.

There are other things that modern vehicles will have as well to ensure that your car is safe while using a valet service. One thing that people tend to like is that the vehicle can only travel a certain distance before it is shut off without the master keys.

This means that even if your valet decided to take your vehicle, it will shut down once it hits the distance mark. They are not able to steal your car.

How Do Valet Keys Work?

We are going to look at how the keys work that we have been discussing. If you are using them, you might as well know how they work. Keep in mind that the valet key has been around for quite some time. It has been around for more than a decade.

This is because it ensures that the car being handed to the valet is safe. Plus, having the special valet key, will ensure that you can enjoy your night without worrying about your car.

You will find that the valet key will be slightly different than the regular or master key set. The key will be cut differently from the trunk and glove compartment.

However, it will be cut exactly right so that the driver’s side door will open, and it will start the car. The key is simply different enough to ensure that the valet taking your car is not going to be taking more than their tips.

Benefits of a Valet Key

Having a valet key is going to be beneficial to you in so many ways. There are a few things that you will find out that are protected when you utilize a special key when handing yours over to a valet. The advantages will be discussed in the next few sections.

There are also a few instances where you may want to use a valet key instead of your master key as well. We will discuss those as well.

The Protection of Your Valuables

Taking the time to hand the valet a different key could mean saving your valuables. Keeping your valuables in the trunk and glove compartment will be best. This is an area in which the valet cannot get because their key cannot access these areas.

You may also find that if you must take your car to the shop, you can lock up anything that you do not want them to look at or touch. It will keep your vehicle safe while it is in the mechanic’s workshop.

You will find that if you are leaving the car outside and handing someone a spare set while you go away, is going to be good with valet keys. If you plan to go somewhere and someone is watching your vehicle, it will allow them to move it, but they cannot go through your belongings.

The Prevention of Joyrides

We are not stating that every valet is going to take your vehicle out for a spin, however, it is not unheard of. When you hand over valet keys, there is a chip that will only allow the car to go a certain speed. This means that the vehicle will be safe when handed over to the valet. There are some vehicles where there is a kill switch and other features as well.

Spare

If you are in a rush and cannot find your master keys, you can use the valet key as a spare key. It will work and get you where you need to be. However, it is going to be most helpful if your keys are locked in the vehicle. It will help you get them out with ease.

FAQs

We are going to look at some commonly asked questions revolving around the valet key. We want you to know everything possible about a valet key if you have one or are thinking of getting one.

Is it Dangerous to have a Valet Key?

There is one issue that almost all vehicle owners have. This is something common between all valet key owners. When you purchase the vehicle, this key will be in your manual that is in your glove compartment. The people will leave this key there and people know about this key. While you may not know about this key, a thief might.

It is possible for someone to break your window then get the key out of the glove compartment and access your vehicle. If your vehicle is taken and there is an immobilizer, it will not be long before a thief chops that off.

This is not a dangerous thing to have if you make sure to keep the valet key on you and not in your glove compartment. Keeping it in your house or on you at all times is going to be important.

What to Do If You Do Not Have Your Master Keys?

If you find yourself without your master keys and only have your valet key, it could be suspicious. This is especially true if you got the vehicle from a dealership. However, if you need to use your vehicle and do not have master keys, use your valet keys. They will work the same.

Getting a New Master Key

It is important that you get a new master key right away if you have lost yours. You can go to the dealership in which you got the vehicle to get a replacement key. There are also a few various places that can get you what you need as well.

It is best to find a reliable company that has honest reviews. This will ensure you are getting the best deal at the best rate. Keep in mind that replacing your master keys will be more expensive in newer vehicles as compared to older vehicles.

Conclusion

Taking the time to know what a valet key is and how to use it properly is important. You never know when you are going to need to use a valet service. It is advised that you use your valet keys in all aspects where you are not in the vehicle.

This will help ensure that your vehicle is safe and that the items in your vehicle are safe. We hope that this article has helped you and you know what a valet key is.

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