Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Car Spare Key

Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Car Spare Key

Types of Car Spare Keys

Whether you lost your key while grocery shopping or put it down to go get your cup of coffee, losing keys to your car can happen. Be sure to keep a spare key and check the areas where you are likely to leave your keys before going out.

Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate house keys, and sometimes keys for cars and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and other details.

Valet keys

Valet keys let the vehicle run, but they do not unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a standard replacement key. They are usually used by hotel valet attendants and mechanics in repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. They can be employed by private parties to gain access to a car when the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.


The main reason to use valets is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' cars on fun rides. The valet key acts as a deterrent, making it difficult to take the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car boot or glovebox.

Modern valet keys retain the original functions of locks from earlier times. They can still open the door to the driver's side but not the console lock or trunk lock. Some high-end luxury vehicles also have features that enhance the security of the valet key for example, a limit on power output. This stops the vehicle from being started without the engine turning off.

While these features are an important step in the right direction but the valet key is not without flaws. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and can open them with a Crowbar. Some valet keys also have less secure locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.

In some instances the valet key may not function as intended, especially if it has been damaged or dropped. The key could stop working suddenly and the owner may have to call an expert locksmith to replace it. In the event of a key malfunction it is essential to have an extra.

If you are in need of a new 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 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 simple edges. They don't have transponders and don't require encoding. They are made of nickel or brass and therefore are more durable. They can also withstand rough usage and handling.

Having a spare key can keep you from losing your car and going through the trouble of having to re-key it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easier to find. You can give it to someone you trust to drive your vehicle in the event that you need to lock yourself out.

Many national chains of home improvement and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable costs. They typically have a machine called KeyMe where you can easily duplicate your keys in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some stores also manufacture key fobs that can be used to start vehicles using push buttons.

Call ahead before going to a store that offers these services. You can also go to their website to find out the types of keys that they can create. Certain locksmiths might not be able to create keys for locks with high security.

You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership if you have one. They must make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to create a new one for you. They will require proof of ownership like the registration or title to verify that.

If you have a traditional key then you can visit an auto parts shop or a locksmith. Both of them will be able to make your spare key quickly and affordably. They'll be able duplicate the original key, or they will be capable of providing you with a blank key that can be programmed to work with your car's key system. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle to accomplish that, so you will be required to keep that information on hand 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 begin the car, transponder keys feature an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. When the key is activated, this microchip sends an low-level signal. This signal contains the serial number that matches the key code that is stored in the computer of your vehicle. When the correct code is found the immobilizer in your car disarms, allowing the engine to begin.

In addition to providing greater security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. Some cars won't start when you use the wrong key (except for those that are non-transponder). This is why they are the best choice if you are looking to reduce the chance of your car being stolen or copied.

If you lose or have your transponder keys stolen, you should have a replacement made as soon as you can. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can swap the key fob or design keys that are blank and can be paired with a switchblade key in order to give you the same functionality as your original key.

Transponder key replacements can be an expensive project However, it's typically less expensive than having your vehicle tow and recovered following theft. In addition, it can be faster than visiting the dealership.

A locksmith can repair or replace the key that is broken or lost and can also fix your ignition and other car hardware. They can duplicate keys for a variety of types of automobiles and makes which makes them an excellent choice if you need to replace the spare key or have lost it.

It is essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and not on your keychain. This will ensure that you don't risk getting it lost or misplaced. It will also make it easier to locate your car if you are in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a visible area, you can keep it under the dashboard or in a secret compartment in your car.

Remote Keys

Most modern cars require a key fob in addition to a traditional metal car key. Key fobs are tiny transmitter that looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car using a button. You can also start your car remotely.

Some cars have the option to "summon" your car by pressing a single button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is great if you have to squeeze into a cramped space.

get a spare key made near me  may malfunction at the most difficult moments. You might be at a gas station, heading to pick up some groceries, or perhaps driving home after a long day when you put your keys down for an instant only to realize you forgot to bring the spare key with you. This can be a nightmare! Most of our stores are able to repair and replace keys on the spot.

If your car has an electronic remote key, it has a chip which must be programmed. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder car keys. We can do this while you wait, typically within less than 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to complete your errands before picking up your car keys.

You'll require bringing your current key in order to have it copied at one of our locations. We will require the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your car in order to duplicate the correct key or fob for your specific vehicle.

If you're having issues with your car key or if you're looking to get a spare key made for peace of mind, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and expertise to make a spare car key that will last a lifetime. Just be sure to keep it somewhere safe!