Car Spare Key Tips From The Top In The Business Types of Car Spare Keys

If you've lost your keys while grocery shopping or put it down to go get your cup of coffee, losing car keys happens. Make sure to keep a spare key in your bag and be sure to check the areas you like to leave your keys prior to leaving.

Certain supermarkets, including Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment which can copy car keys and fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and other details.

Valet keys

Valet keys allow the vehicle to run, but do not unlock the trunk or the glovebox. get a spare key made near me are typically a cheaper alternative to a replacement key. They are most often used by hotel valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to a customer's car. They can also be employed by private parties to gain access to cars when the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.

The primary reason to employ a valet is to prevent theft. It is not uncommon for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for joyrides and the valet keys can be used as a deterrent by making it more difficult to steal the vehicle. Valet keys are also beneficial for those who regularly leave valuables in their car glovebox or boot.

Modern valet keys retain the original function of older key locks and are able to open the door of a driver, but not the lock that is on the center console or trunk. Certain luxury cars come with security features like a restricted power output. This prevents the vehicle from being started with the key unless the engine is switched off.

While these features are a step in the right direction, the valet key isn't without its weaknesses. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs, and can open them with the help of a crowbar. Some valet keys also have weaker locks 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 may be unable to function for a short time and the owner will have to contact a professional locksmith to replace it. It is important to ensure that you have a spare key in the event of this problem.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need a new key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it's beneficial to have the YEAR and MAKE of the vehicle you are using.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys due to their simple edges. They do not have an electronic transponder, which means they don't require encoding. They are made from brass or nickel and therefore are more durable. They can also be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive usage.

A spare key will make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. Keep it apart from your keychain to make it easier to locate. It is possible to leave it with someone you trust to drive your car in the event you need to lock yourself out.

The majority of national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. They usually have a machine called KeyMe, which allows you to easily make copies of your standard keys in minutes. You can find stores near your location by checking their website. Some stores also produce key fobs that can be used to start cars with push buttons.

Contact us prior to visiting a store offering these services. You can also look online to determine what kind of keys they are capable of making. Some may not be able to make keys for high-security locks which is why you'll have to find a locksmith in these cases.

If you have a smart key, you will need to get an alternative from the dealership. They will need to confirm that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can make a new one for you. To verify this, they will need evidence of your ownership, such as your registration or title.

If you have an old key, visit an auto parts shop or locksmith. Both can make an exchange key quickly and at a reasonable cost. They can duplicate the key you have or give you a blank, programmable key. You will need to know the year and make and model of your vehicle in order to have a replacement key.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are electronic microchips that are embedded into the head. This is different from traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the vehicle. The microchip sends out an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. This signal contains a digital serial number that is matched with the key code in the computer system of your vehicle. When the correct code is matched, the car's immobilizer system disarms so that the engine can start.

Besides providing more security, transponder keys also make it more difficult to duplicate your car key. Some cars won't start if you use a key that is not correct (except for keys that are non-transponder). This is why they are the best choice if you want to reduce the possibility that your car will get stolen or duplicated.

If you lose your car transponder chips keys or if you lose them, it is essential to have a backup key made as quickly as you can. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can repair your key fob or create an uncut key that can be paired with a switchblade to provide the same function like the original key.

Transponder key replacements can be costly However, they are usually less expensive than having your car removed after a theft. It can also be quicker than visiting an auto dealer.

In addition to being able to replace the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith can repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can also duplicate keys for many types of automobiles and makes, so they're an ideal choice if require replacement of the spare key or have lost it.

It's essential to leave your spare car key in a safe place, not tied to your keychain. This will prevent you from the risk of losing or misplacing it. It will also make it easier to find your car if you are in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a visible place, try to keep it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment of your vehicle.

Remote Keys

Most modern cars require keys in addition to the traditional car key. Key fobs look more like a smartphone than the traditional car key. A key fob is able to unlock and lock your car using the button. It also allows you to start your vehicle remotely.

Certain cars also have the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button, much like Tesla's summon feature. This is useful for those who need to squeeze into a tight parking spot.

Car keys may stop working at the most uncomfortable times. You could be at a gas station, en route to pick up some groceries or just returning home from an exhausting day. You put your keys down for an instant only to realize that you didn't bring the spare key with you. This can be a huge hassle! Luckily, a majority of our stores can repair and create new key replacements immediately.


If your car has a remote key it will have a chip that requires programming. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the necessary equipment to duplicate the transponder key. We can do this while you wait, usually within less than 30 mins, which is plenty of time to run your errands before picking the keys to your car.

Bring your key to one of our stores to get it duplicated. To duplicate the correct key or fob we'll need to know your vehicle's year, MAKE, and MODEL.

If you are having trouble with your car key or if you're interested in getting a spare key made to ensure your safety visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and know-how to make a spare car key that can last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it safe!