Chloe Zhang
Plastic car keys, also known as emergency or valet keys, are typically provided as backups to the regular car keys. They are made of plastic and designed to be cut or shaped to match the original car key. These keys can be used to unlock car doors and, in some cases, start the car. They were commonly offered by organizations like AAA and car dealerships as a convenient solution for individuals who frequently locked their keys in their cars. However, due to their plastic composition, they were marked for emergency use only as they could deform or break with regular use. The history of plastic car keys can be traced back to patents filed by Donald F. Almblad and Robert Almblad in the 1980s, featuring designs with plastic keys integrated into card form factors or wallet-insertable key holders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Backup key for emergency |
| To be used by valets | |
| Material | Plastic |
| Durability | Not suitable for regular use |
| Prone to deformation and damage | |
| Can break off in the lock | |
| Functionality | Can be used to unlock car doors |
| Can be used to start the car | |
| Cannot open the glovebox or trunk | |
| Does not have remote control features | |
| Can be cut to match the original car key | |
| Can be shaped by the owner | |
| Can be marked to match the original key | |
| Can be pivoted out from a card | |
| Can be inserted into a wallet |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic car keys are for emergency use only
Plastic car keys are intended for emergency use only. They are typically provided as a backup option to prevent owners from locking themselves out of their cars. These plastic keys are often included with new car purchases and are meant to be stored separately from the regular keys, such as in a wallet. They can be cut to match the original car key or filed to fit the locks. Some cars have locks that can be opened with plastic keys as they are, without any modifications.
The plastic material of these keys is not designed for regular use and will deform with repeated use. In extreme cases, excessive use of a plastic key can leave debris inside a lock, causing it to jam. Therefore, it is crucial to use these keys only in emergency situations.
One example of a plastic car key is the "Credit Card Key," invented by Donald F. Almblad and improved by Robert Almblad. This design features up to two plastic keys moulded into a card form factor, with a hinge that allows them to pivot out and be inserted into a lock. Other designs, such as those by Chevy, use a sliding method to reveal the keys.
In addition to their emergency access capabilities, plastic car keys can also serve as "valet keys." These valet keys have the same functionality as master keys, except they cannot open the glove compartment or access the trunk, preventing theft by valet staff. The transponder chip needed to start the car is present in the valet key, allowing the car to be driven and parked.
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They can be used as a backup if you lose your regular car keys
Plastic car keys, also known as "emergency keys", are intended to be used as a backup in case you lose your regular car keys. They can be cut to match the original car key or filed to match the real key, allowing you to unlock and start your car without needing your regular keys. Some car manufacturers, such as Toyota and GM, used to provide these plastic backup keys to new car buyers, recommending that they be kept in their wallets. This served as a convenient solution for individuals who frequently locked their keys in their cars or forgot them at home.
The plastic emergency keys are designed to be used only a few times, as the plastic material may deform or break after several uses. They are typically marked for "emergency use only" due to their limited durability. In some cases, excessive use of a plastic key could result in debris being left inside the lock, causing potential jamming issues.
It is worth noting that these plastic keys have also been referred to as "valet keys," intended for valets to use when parking a car. These keys have the same functionality as the master keys, except they cannot access the glove compartment or the trunk, ensuring the security of personal belongings.
While some people find plastic car keys useful as a backup option, others consider them counterproductive, especially if they are not kept separately from the regular key fob. Additionally, there are concerns about the security implications of plastic keys, as they can make it easier for someone to steal a car if they gain access to the key.
To enhance security, it is recommended to deactivate the plastic key from the ECU (Engine Control Unit) and change the lock cores to prevent unauthorised access to the vehicle.
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They are intended for valets to use
Plastic car keys are intended for valets to use. They are typically given to new car buyers to keep in their wallets and can be used to open and start the car. They are often referred to as "emergency" keys and are meant for backup purposes only.
The history of plastic car keys can be traced back to the 1980s, when patents were filed for wallet-insertable key holders. One notable example is the "Credit Card Key" invented by Donald F. Almblad, who applied for a patent in 1984. The patent art demonstrated up to two plastic keys moulded into a card form factor, with a hinge that allowed them to pivot out and be inserted into a lock.
While the idea of having a spare key in one's wallet may seem simple, it provided peace of mind for car owners who were afraid of locking their keys inside their vehicles. This was especially relevant before the widespread adoption of electric locks and central locking systems.
It's important to note that plastic car keys are not meant for regular use. The plastic material is not as durable as metal and can deform after a few uses, potentially leaving debris inside the lock and causing it to jam. Therefore, these keys are usually marked for "emergency use only".
In addition, plastic car keys may have certain limitations compared to regular metal keys. For example, they may not be able to open the glovebox or deactivate the trunk release, preventing valets or other users from accessing personal items stored in these compartments.
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They can be cut to match the original car key
Plastic car keys, also known as transponder keys, are designed with a microchip embedded in their plastic head. When inserted into the ignition, the chip emits a unique signal to the car's immobilizer system, which verifies the signal's authenticity before allowing the engine to start. This technology enhances vehicle security by reducing the risk of theft.
While plastic car keys are no longer common, you can still obtain one for your vehicle if desired. These plastic keys can be cut to match the original car key, ensuring seamless operation. The process involves using a key duplicator machine, with the original key positioned on one side and a specialized cutting tool on the other, serving as a template for the new key. This method allows locksmiths or appropriately-equipped dealers to create an identical copy.
It is important to note that the plastic nature of these keys may limit their durability compared to traditional metal keys. The plastic material can deform after a few uses due to the metal components of the lock. In extreme cases, excessive use of a plastic key may leave debris inside the lock, causing it to jam. Therefore, while plastic keys can be cut to match the original, they may not be suitable for long-term or regular use.
For those interested in the novelty or functionality of plastic car keys, it is possible to acquire them for classic cars from the 1980s or 1990s. These keys can be purchased from online platforms like eBay and cut to match the specific car. This option caters to car enthusiasts who appreciate the style or functionality of plastic keys from that era.
In conclusion, plastic car keys can be cut to match the original car key, but their practicality may be limited due to durability concerns. They serve as a testament to the evolution of car key technology, with modern keys prioritizing enhanced security and convenience through transponder chips and keyless entry systems.
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They are usually supplied in a card form factor
Plastic car keys are typically supplied as a backup option in case the primary key is lost or locked inside the car. They are usually supplied in a card form factor, also known as a "key card" or "credit card key", which can be conveniently stored in a wallet. This design was patented by Donald F. Almblad in 1984, with an improved version patented by Robert Almblad in 1986. The key card features one or two plastic keys attached to a card via a hinge, allowing them to pivot out and be inserted into a lock. The hinge design was enhanced in the 1986 patent, replacing the linear-type hinge with a flexible plastic rod for more freedom of movement.
The plastic keys are intended for emergency or temporary use and are typically marked as "EMERGENCY USE ONLY". They can be cut by a locksmith or dealer to match the original car key. While they can be shaped by the owner to fit the lock, the plastic material is not designed for regular use and may deform or leave debris in the lock with repeated use.
Some car manufacturers, such as Toyota, provided plastic backup keys to new car buyers. Additionally, organisations like AAA previously offered plastic backup keys to their members. These keys were intended to provide peace of mind in case the primary keys were locked inside the car or lost.
Plastic keys may also be referred to as "valet keys" and are designed to be used by valets to open, start, and park a car. They include a transponder chip, similar to regular keys, allowing them to start the car. However, they lack remote control features and cannot access certain areas, such as the glovebox or trunk, to prevent theft.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a backup key to be used in emergencies, such as if you lock your keys in your car.
It has a chip in it, just like a regular key, and can be used to open and start the car.
No. Plastic keys are intended for emergency use only. They are not durable enough to withstand regular use and may deform or break.
You should keep your plastic car key somewhere separate from your normal keys, such as in your wallet.
Yes, you can get a plastic backup key for your car from a locksmith or appropriately-equipped dealer.
