Car Spare Key 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Car Spare Key 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Types of Car Spare Keys

If you've lost your keys during grocery shopping or you put it down to go get your coffee, missing keys to your car can happen. Keep a spare car key in your possession and check places where you often leave your keys.

Some supermarkets, such as Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication machines which can copy keys for cars and fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and additional information.

Valet keys

Valet keys let the vehicle be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are typically a less expensive alternative to a regular replacement key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the car of a customer. They can be employed by private parties to gain access to a vehicle if the remote key fob battery of the owner fails.

The primary reason for using a valet is to prevent theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' cars on joy rides. Valet keys act as an effective deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the car. Valet keys are also useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car glovebox or in the boot.

Modern valet keys retain the original functions of older key locks, and they can still open the door of a driver, but not the lock on the central console or the trunk.  get spare key made for car -end luxury cars also include security features by limiting power output. This stops the vehicle from being started without turning the engine off.

These features are a good start but the valet key comes with drawbacks. For example, some thieves are aware of the limitations of these keys and they can use a Crowbar to open them. Valet keys can also have weaker locks as compared to standard replacement key fobs.

In some instances valet keys may not function as planned especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key might stop working suddenly and the owner could need to contact an locksmith to get it replaced. It is essential to ensure that you have a working spare key in case of this issue.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require an additional key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. It is beneficial to have the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle when you come in to request the replacement.

get a spare key made near me  are simple in design at the edges and are simple for locksmiths to create. They don't come with transponders and do not require encryption. They are made from brass or nickel and are therefore more durable. They can also withstand rough handling and harsh usage.

Having a spare key can keep you from losing your car and having to go through the trouble of having to re-key it. It is recommended to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so that it is easy to locate. You can give it to someone you trust to drive your car in the event that you are locked out.

Many national chains of home improvement and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable prices. KeyMe is typically found in these stores. It lets you easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. You can find stores near you by going to their website. Some of them make key fobs to cars that have a push button start.

It is best to make a call prior to going to a store that offers these services. You can also go to their website to find out the kinds of keys they can create. Some might not be able of making keys for locks with high security, so you will need to go to an locksmith in those instances.

You will need to replace your smart key at the dealership, if you own one. Before they can issue you a new key they'll need to prove that you own the vehicle. They will require proof of ownership, such as the registration or title to prove that.

If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both of them will be able to make you a spare key swiftly and cost-effectively. They'll 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 need the year the make, model, and year of your car to do this, so you'll want to have that information handy if you are planning on going to these locations to get your spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are microchips embedded in the head. This is distinct from traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or to start the vehicle. When the key is turned on by the microchip, it sends an low-level signal. This signal contains a digital serial number that matches with the key code in your vehicle's computer system. The immobilizer system of the car is disarmed when the correct code matches.

Transponder keys aren't only more secure, but they also make it difficult to duplicate the car key. Some cars won't start in the event that you use the wrong key (except for keys that are not transponder). This is why they are the most preferred choice for those who want to lower the possibility that your car will get stolen or duplicated.


If you've lost or had your transponder keys stolen you must get a new one made as soon as possible. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can swap the key fob or design an uncut key that can be paired with a switchblade key to provide the same functions as the original key.

Transponder key replacements can be expensive, but it's often cheaper than paying to have your vehicle tow and recovered after theft. In addition, it can be less time-consuming than visiting the dealership.

A locksmith can replace your lost or broken key and also repair your ignition and other car hardware.  get spare key made for car  can also create duplicate keys for most makes and models of cars which makes them a great choice when you need a spare or lost your keys.

It's essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and not on your keychain. This will help you avoid getting it lost or misplaced in the first place, and will help you locate your car when you're in a hurry. If you are worried about leaving your spare car keys visible, place it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.

Remote Keys

Most modern cars require keys in addition to a traditional car key. Key fobs look more like a smartphone rather than the traditional car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car by pressing the button. You can also start your car remotely.

Certain cars allow you to "summon" your vehicle by pressing a single button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful if you need to squeeze into a tight parking space.

Sometimes, car keys fail to function at the worst possible time. You could be at the gas station, on the way to pick up groceries, or returning home after a busy day when you realize that you've forgotten the spare key. This can be very frustrating! The majority of our stores are able to repair and replace keys immediately.

If your car has a remote key, it will have tiny chips inside that needs to be programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment needed to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can do this while you wait, generally within less than 30 mins, which is enough time to complete your daily errands, and then pick up your car keys.

You will have to bring your current key with you to be able 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 fob or key for your specific car.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car keys or if you want to feel secure. We'll have the tools and expertise to create an extra car key that will last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it somewhere safe!