Car Spare Key Tips From The Best In The Industry Types of Car Spare Keys

If you've lost your keys when you were grocery shopping or set it down to grab your coffee, the loss of keys to cars can happen. Keep a spare car key in your possession and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.

Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines which can copy house keys, as well as keys for cars and key fobs. For more information and the latest key prices, visit their website.

Valet Keys

Valet keys allow the vehicle to be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are a less expensive option than a standard replacement car key. They are most often utilized by valet parking attendants as well as repair shop mechanics to gain access to the customer's vehicle. g28carkeys.co.uk are also 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 valet services is to deter theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' cars on joy rides. Valet keys act as an deterrent, making it difficult to steal the car. Valet keys are also useful for those who often leave valuables in their car's glovebox or boot.

Modern valet keys maintain the original function of lock keys from the past. They can open the door to the driver's side, but not the trunk or console lock. Certain luxury vehicles have features that improve security like a restricted power output. This stops the vehicle from being started with the key unless the engine is switched off.


While these features are an important step in the right direction however, the valet key is not without flaws. Some thieves are aware of the limitations of these key fobs, and can open them with the use of a Crowbar. Furthermore, some keys for valet have locks that are less secure than the standard replacement key fobs.

In some instances, the valet key may not function as intended in particular if it's been damaged or dropped. The key could cease to function suddenly and the owner could need to contact a locksmith to have it replaced. It is important to make sure that you have a spare key in case of this problem.

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. It is beneficial to have the YEAR and MAKE MODEL of your vehicle in hand when you go in to get an replacement.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths can easily create traditional keys since they have an easy edge design. They don't have a transponder, so they do not require encoding. They are made of brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They also can endure rough handling and severe usage.

Having a spare key can keep you from losing your car and having to go through the trouble of re-keying it. Keep it separate from your keychain to make it easy to find. You could even leave it with a friend or family member whom you can trust to drive your car in the event that you ever lock yourself out.

Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable prices. They usually have a machine called KeyMe that allows you to easily duplicate your standard keys within minutes. You can find an outlet near you by going to their website. Some of them can make key fobs to cars that have a push button start.

Make sure to call ahead prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also look online to see what kind of keys they can make. Some may not be able of making keys for locks with high security, so you will need to visit a locksmith in those cases.

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 confirm that you have the vehicle. They will require proof of ownership like the registration or title to do that.

If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both will be able to create your spare key quickly and cost-effectively. They'll be able duplicate the original key or capable of providing you with an uncut key that can be programmed to match the car's system. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle to accomplish that, so you'll need to have this information handy if you are planning to visit these locations to get your spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are microchips that are embedded into the head. This is different from traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to open the lock or start the vehicle. This microchip transmits the radio signal at a low level when the key is activated. The signal is a serial number which matches the key code that is stored in your vehicle's computers. If the correct code is found, the car's immobilizer system disarms so that the engine can begin.

Transponder keys are not only more secure, they also make it more difficult to duplicate keys for cars. Some cars will not start in the event that you use a key that is not correct (except for keys that are non-transponder). As such, they are the most preferred choice if you want to reduce the possibility that your car will get stolen or duplicated.

If you lose or have your transponder keys stolen you should have a replacement made as soon as you can. Fortunately, many automotive locksmiths can repair the key fob or design an uncut key that can be paired with a switchblade to provide the same functions as the original key.

Transponder key replacements can be expensive However, they are usually cheaper than having your car towing after a the theft. Additionally, it could be less time-consuming than visiting an auto dealer.

A locksmith can replace your broken or lost key and can also repair your ignition and other vehicle hardware. They can duplicate keys for various makes and models of vehicles, so they're a great option if you require replacement of the spare key or have lost key.

It's essential to leave your spare car keys somewhere safe, and not tied to your keychain. This will ensure that you don't risk the risk of losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to find your car if you are in a rush. If you are worried about leaving your spare car key visible, keep it under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment.

Remote Keys

In modern vehicles keys are needed in addition to traditional car keys made of metal. A key fob looks more like a smartphone, rather than the traditional car key. A key fob can unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing a single button. You can also start your car remotely.

Some cars even come with the option of "summoning" your vehicle by pressing a button much like Tesla's summon feature. This is useful if you have to squeeze into a small space.

Car keys may stop working at the most uncomfortable times. You may be at a gas station, en route to buy some groceries or just returning home after an exhausting day. You put your keys down for just an instant only to realize you forgot to bring the spare key with you. This can be a nightmare! The majority of our stores are able to repair and replace keys immediately.

If your car has remote keys, they has a chip which requires programming. The majority of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate your transponder car key. We can duplicate your transponder key while you wait. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to do around before you pick keys.

Bring your key to one of our stores to have it duplicated. We will need to know 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 you wish to have peace of mind. We'll have the tools and expertise to create an extra car key that can last for a lifetime. Be sure to keep it secure!