Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if you've lost your key when you were grocery shopping or set it down to grab your cup of coffee, losing car keys happens. Keep a spare car key in your possession and look for places where you regularly leave your keys.

Certain supermarkets, including Save Mart and H-E-B, have self-service key duplication machines that can copy keys for cars and fobs. Visit their website for current prices and other details.

Valet keys

Valet keys allow the vehicle to be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or glovebox. They are typically a less expensive alternative to a standard replacement key. They are usually used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the car of customers. They can 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. Valet parking attendants are known to take their customers' cars on joy rides. The valet key acts as a deterrent, making it difficult to steal the car. Valet keys are also helpful for those who keep valuables in the glovebox or boot of their cars.

Modern valet keys have retained the original functionality of older key locks and can open a driver's door but not the lock on the central console or in the trunk. Certain luxury cars include security features by limiting power output. This prevents the vehicle from being started with the key unless the engine has been shut off.

These features are a great start, but the valet key has its drawbacks. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs, and can force them open with a Crowbar. In addition, some valet keys have weaker locks than those on regular replacement key fobs.


In some cases, the valet key may not function as intended in particular if it's been damaged or dropped. The key could stop working suddenly and the owner will need to call an expert locksmith to replace it. It is important to make sure that you have a spare key in case of this problem.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need a new key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. It is a good idea to have the year, MAKE and 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 a simple edge design. They do not come with a transponder, so they do not require the use of encoding. They are typically made from brass or nickel, which makes them sturdier and robust. They also can be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive use.

A spare key will make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car if you lose it. Keep it apart from your keychain to make it easier to find. You could even leave it with a family member who you trust to drive your car if you get locked out.

Many national chains of home improvement and hardware stores offer key duplication services at affordable prices. They typically have a machine called KeyMe where you can easily duplicate your standard keys in minutes. You can find a store near you by visiting their website. Some of them can also create key fobs for push button start cars.

It is best to call ahead before heading to a shop that offers these services. spare car key cutting can also visit their website to see the types of keys that they can create. Some may not be able of making keys for locks with high security, so you will need to visit an locksmith in those instances.

You'll need to change 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 own the vehicle. To do this, they'll require evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

If you own a traditional key you can visit an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able to make you a spare key quickly and affordably. They can duplicate your original key or provide you with an unprogrammable, blank key. You'll have to know the year and make and model of your vehicle to get a spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are microchips embedded in the head. This is distinct from traditional keys that use metal contacts to unlock the lock or to start the vehicle. When the key is activated the microchip emits an unintentional signal. The signal is an identification number that matches the key code that is stored in your vehicle's computers. The immobilizer system of your vehicle is activated when the correct code is found.

Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. In fact, some cars will refuse to start when the wrong key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). They are therefore the best choice if you want to minimize the risk of your car being taken or copied.

If you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if they're stolen it's important to have a spare key made as soon as possible. There are many locksmiths in the automotive industry who can swap your key fob or create a blank key that can be used in conjunction with a switchblade key to provide the same function as the original key.

Transponder key replacements can cost a lot however, they are typically cheaper than having your vehicle towing after a theft. It's also quicker than going to the dealership.

In addition to being able to replace the broken or lost key an automotive locksmith may repair damaged ignitions and other components in your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of kinds of models and makes of vehicles, so they're an ideal choice if require a replacement for your spare key or lose key.

It's essential to keep your spare car keys somewhere secure and not on your keychain. This will stop you from accidentally losing or misplacing it as well as aid in finding your car when you're in a hurry. If you're worried about putting your spare key in a public area, you can keep it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment of your vehicle.

Remote Keys

Most modern cars require a key fob in addition to the traditional car key. A key fob looks more like a smartphone than an actual car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your car using a button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.

Some cars have the option to "summon" your vehicle with a single button press, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful when you need to squeeze into a cramped space.

Car keys may stop working at the most difficult moments. You may be at the gas station, or on your way to pick up groceries, or returning home after a busy day when you realize that you've forgotten your spare key. This can be a nightmare! Fortunately, most of our stores can repair and create new keys immediately.

If your car has a remote key, it will have a small chip in it that must be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations are equipped with the equipment needed to duplicate your transponder key. We can do this while you wait, generally within less than 30 minutes which is plenty of time to complete your errands before picking up the car keys.

You'll have to bring your current keys in order to have it copied at one of our locations. We will need to know the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct fob or key for your particular car.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or if you want to be secure. We'll have the tools and know-how to create an extra car key that will last a lifetime. Make sure you keep it in a safe place!