What Car Spare Key Is Your Next Big Obsession Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if you dropped your car keys during a shopping trip or put it away while you were getting your coffee. Be sure to keep a spare key and check the places where you tend to leave your keys before leaving.

Grocery stores such as Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can copy house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. For more information on the process and current key prices, visit their website.

Valet Keys

Valet keys are a kind of car key that permits the vehicle to be operated but doesn't unlock a trunk or glove box. They are a cheaper option than a standard replacement key. They are usually employed by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics at repair shops to gain access to the car of the customer. They can be employed by private parties to gain access to a car if the remote key fob battery of the owner is dead.

The main reason for having a valet key is to stop theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' cars for rides, and the valet key can be used as a deterrent by making it harder to steal the vehicle. Valet keys can also be useful for those who have valuables in the glovebox or boot of their cars.

Modern valet keys retain the original functionality of older key locks and can open the door of a driver, but not the lock that is on the center console or the trunk. Certain luxury vehicles have features that improve security by limiting power output. This will prevent the vehicle from being started without the engine turning off.

While these features are a step in the right direction but the valet key is not without its weaknesses. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and can make them open using the help of a crowbar. Valet keys can also have weaker locks compared to standard replacement key fobs.

In certain situations, a valet key will not work as expected especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key may be unable to function for a short time and the owner may have to call a professional locksmith to replace it. In the case of a malfunctioning key it is crucial to have an extra.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need an additional key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. It is a good idea to have the year and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle in hand when you come in to get a replacement.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths are able to make traditional keys since they have an easy edge design. They don't come with an electronic transponder, and therefore don't require encryption. They are made of brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They can also handle rough handling and use.


A spare key can save you the hassle of having to rekey your car in the event that you lose it. It is a good idea to keep one somewhere separate from your keychain so that it is easy 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.

Most hardware stores and national chains of home improvement provide key duplication services at affordable prices. They usually have a machine called KeyMe, which allows you to easily make copies of your standard keys in minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some of them make key fobs to cars that have a push button start.

It is recommended to contact us prior to heading to a store offering these services. You can also search online to see what kind of keys they can make. Some might not be able to make keys for high-security locks therefore you'll need to go to a locksmith in those cases.

If you have an electronic key, you'll need to get a replacement from the dealer. Before they can create you a new key they will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle. To verify this, they'll require proof of your ownership such as the registration or title.

If you have a traditional key, you can go to an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both can make an exchange key quickly and at a reasonable price. They'll be able duplicate the original key, or they will be capable of providing you with an uncut key that can be programmed to work with your car's system. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your car to do this, so you'll want to have that information on hand if you're planning on going to these locations to have your spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys contain electronic microchips embedded in 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 matches up with the key code stored in the car's computer system. replacement spare in the vehicle is turned off when the correct code is found.

Transponder keys aren't just more secure, they also make it difficult to duplicate keys for cars. Some cars won't start if you use the wrong key (except for those that are non-transponder). They are the preferred option if you want to reduce the likelihood that your car will get stolen or duplicated.

If you lose or have your transponder keys stolen, you must get a new one made as soon as possible. Fortunately, a lot of locksmiths in the automotive field can swap the key fob or design keys that are blank and can be paired with a switchblade to give you the same functionality as the original key.

A transponder key replacement can be a costly undertaking however, it's usually less expensive than paying to have your vehicle towed and retrieved after a theft. Additionally, it could be less time-consuming than visiting an auto dealer.

In addition to being able to replace the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions and other hardware in your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of types of automobiles and makes, so they're a great option if you need to replace the spare key or have lost key.

It is essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will help you avoid accidentally misplacing or losing it, and it will also make finding your car easier if you're in a hurry. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a public place, try to keep it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment of your vehicle.

Remote Keys

Modern cars need the use of a key fob in addition to a traditional car key. The key fob appears like a smartphone than the traditional car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your car by pressing one button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.

Some cars have the option to "summon" your car by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful if you need to squeeze into a tight parking spot.

Car keys can sometimes not work at the most uncomfortable times. You might be at a gas station, heading to buy some groceries, or perhaps driving home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for just an instant only to realize you forgot to carry a spare key with you. This can be very frustrating! Luckily, the majority of our stores can repair and create new key replacements on the spot.

If your car has a remote key it has a chip which needs to programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the equipment necessary to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can duplicate your transponder car key while you are waiting. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to complete through your routine before picking keys.

You will need to bring your current key to get it duplicated at one of our stores. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle to duplicate the correct fob or key for your specific car.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or want to feel secure. We'll have the tools and experience to design an extra car key that will last for the rest of your life. Make sure it's safe!