8 Tips To Up Your Car Spare Key Game

8 Tips To Up Your Car Spare Key Game

Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if lost your car keys while shopping or if you put it down when you went to get your coffee. Be sure to keep a spare key in your bag and be sure to check the places where you tend to leave your keys before going out.

Some supermarkets, like Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication equipment that can copy keys for cars and fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and additional information.

Valet keys

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

The primary reason for using valets is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' vehicles on rides. The valet key serves as a deterrent, making it difficult to steal the car. Valet keys can also be useful for those who frequently leave valuables in their car's boot or glovebox.

Modern valet keys maintain the original function of lock keys from the past. They can still unlock the driver's door however, they cannot open the console lock or trunk lock. Some high-end luxury vehicles also contain features that increase the security of the valet key like a limited power output. This will prevent the vehicle from being started without turning the engine off.

These features are a good start, but the valet key has its drawbacks. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and can open them with the help of a bar. Additionally, some valet keys have weaker locks than those on normal replacement key fobs.

In some cases the valet key might not function as intended in particular if it's been damaged or dropped.  get spare car key made near me  may stop working suddenly and the owner may have to call an expert locksmith to replace it. It is important to make sure that you have a working spare key in case of this issue.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need an additional key for your car or have lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to replace your car key, it's helpful if you have the YEAR and MAKE of your vehicle.

Traditional Keys

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

Having a spare key can help you avoid from losing your car and going through the trouble of having to re-key it. It is a good idea to keep one somewhere separate from your keychain so it is easy to locate. You can give it to someone you trust who will 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. The KeyMe machine is usually available in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys that you have in mere minutes. Visit their website to find a store close to you. Some stores also make key fobs for cars with push button start.

Call ahead before visiting a store offering these services. You can also search online to find out what kind of keys they are capable of making. Some locksmiths may not be able make keys for high security locks.

If you have a smart key, you will need to get a replacement from the dealership. Before they can make you a new key they'll need to confirm that you have the vehicle. To verify this, they'll need evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

If you have an old key, you can visit an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able make an exchange key quickly and at a reasonable price. They can duplicate your key or give you a blank, programmable key. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle to accomplish that, so you will be required to keep that information in your possession if you're planning to visit these locations to get your spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are microchips that are built into the head. This is different from traditional keys that use metal contacts to unlock the lock or to start the vehicle. This microchip transmits an low-level radio signal each time the key is activated. The signal is a serial number which corresponds to the key code stored in your vehicle's computer. The immobilizer system in the car is disarmed when the correct code is found.

Transponder keys are not only more secure, they also make it harder to duplicate a car key. Certain cars won't start if you use the wrong key (except for those that aren't transponder). This is why they are the best choice if you want to reduce the chance that your vehicle is 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 your key fob, or make a blank key that can be paired with a switchblade key in order to provide the same functions like the original key.

Transponder key replacements can cost a lot However, they are usually less expensive than having your car towed after theft. It's also quicker than visiting an auto dealer.

In addition to re-making your broken or lost keys an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions as well as other components in your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of makes and models of vehicles which makes them a great option if you need to replace your spare or lost it.

It is essential to keep your spare car keys secure and not on your keychain. This will help you avoid the risk of losing or misplacing it. It also makes it easier to find your car when you're in a rush. If you're worried about leaving your spare car key visible, keep it in the car's dashboard or inside a secret compartment.

Remote  get a spare key made near me  of modern cars require the use of a key fob in addition to a traditional car key. Key fobs are small transmitter that appears more like an iPhone than a real car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car with the press of a button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.

Certain cars allow you to "summon" your car by pressing a single button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is helpful for those who need to get into a congested parking space.

Car keys can malfunction at the most inconvenient moments. You might be at the gas station, on your route to pick up groceries, or driving home from a busy day when you realize that you've forgotten the spare key. This can be extremely frustrating! Most of our stores can repair and replace keys on the spot.

If your car is equipped with an electronic remote key, it will have a chip that requires programming. 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 enough time to run your daily errands, and then pick up your car keys.

Bring your key to one of our shops to get it duplicated. We will need to know the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your car in order to duplicate the correct key or fob for your specific car.

If you're having difficulty with your car key, or you're looking to get a spare key made to keep you safe, visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and know-how to create a spare car key that can last for the rest of your life. Keep it secure!