Car Spare Key: Myths And Facts Behind Car Spare Key

· 6 min read
Car Spare Key: Myths And Facts Behind Car Spare Key

Types of Car Spare Keys

Whether you lost your key when you were grocery shopping or set it down to grab your cup of coffee, losing car keys happens. Keep an extra car key 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 car keys and fobs. For more information and current key prices, visit their website.

locked key in car no spare  are a kind of spare car key that allows the vehicle to be driven, but doesn't unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a replacement key. They are most often utilized by valet parking attendants and repair shop mechanics to gain access to the customer's vehicle. However, they can also be used by a private party to gain access to the car in the event that the owner's remote key fob battery fails.

The primary reason for using valets is to stop theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' cars on rides. Valet keys act as a deterrent, making it more difficult to take the car. Valet keys are also useful for those who have valuables in the boot or glovebox of their cars.

Modern valet keys have retained the original functionality of the older locks, and they can still unlock a door for drivers, but not the lock on the center console or the trunk. Some high-end luxury vehicles also include features that improve the security of the valet keys like a limited power output. This stops the vehicle from being started without the engine being turned off.

While these features are an important step in the right direction, the valet key is not without its flaws. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and can make them open using the use of a crowbar. Additionally, some valet keys have weaker locks than the standard replacement key fobs.

In some cases valet keys may not function as planned especially if it's damaged or dropped. The key might cease to function suddenly, and the owner may need to call an locksmith to get it replaced. It is crucial to make sure that you have a valid spare key in the event of this issue.

Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you need an additional key for your car or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to get your car key, it is important to know the year and model of your vehicle.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys are simple at the edges and are easy for locksmiths create. They don't come with an electronic transponder, and therefore do not require encoders. They are made from brass or nickel and therefore more durable. They are also able to withstand rough usage and handling.

A spare key can keep you from losing your vehicle and going through the trouble of having to re-key it. Keep it apart from your keychain to make it easier to locate. You could even leave it with a family member who you trust to drive your car in the event that you need to lock yourself out.


Many national chains of home improvement and hardware stores provide key duplication at reasonable prices. They typically have a machine called KeyMe where you can easily make copies of your keys in a matter of 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.

Contact us prior to going to a shop that offers these services. You can also visit their website to see the kinds of keys they can create. Certain locksmiths might not be able to make keys for locks with high security.

If you have an electronic key, you will need to get a replacement from the dealership. Before they can issue you a new key they'll need to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle. They will require proof of ownership like the registration or title to do that.

If you have an old key, visit an auto parts shop or locksmith. Both of them can make you a spare key quickly and affordably. They'll be able to duplicate your key from the beginning, or they will be capable of providing you with a blank key that can be programmed to match the car's key system. You'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle to get a replacement key.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are electronic microchips embedded in the head. This is distinct from traditional keys, which utilize metal contacts to unlock the lock or start the vehicle. When the key is activated by the microchip, it sends a low-level signal. The signal is a digital serial number that matches up with the key's code in the computer system of your vehicle. The immobilizer system in the vehicle is turned off when the correct code matches.

Apart from providing additional security, transponder keys make it much harder to duplicate your car keys. Certain cars won't start when you use a key that is not correct (except for keys that aren't transponder). As such, they are the preferred option when you want to decrease the likelihood that your car will get stolen or duplicated.

If you lose your car transponder chip keys or if they're stolen it is essential to have a backup key made as soon as you can. Many locksmiths in the automotive industry can replace your key fob, or create an uncut switchblade key that can be linked with the original key.

Transponder key replacements can be expensive However, they are usually cheaper than having your vehicle removed after a theft. It's also quicker than going to an auto dealer.

In addition to being able to replace your lost or broken key an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions as well as other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of makes and models of vehicles and are an ideal choice if require a replacement for your spare key or lose it.

It's important to keep your spare car keys somewhere safe and not on your keychain. This will stop you from accidentally losing or misplacing it in the first place, and will help you locate your car in case you're in a rush. If you're worried about leaving your spare car key visible, place it under the dashboard or inside a secret compartment.

Remote Keys

In modern vehicles keys are needed in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. A key fob is a small transmitter that looks more like an iPhone than a real car key. A key fob is able to unlock and lock your car by pressing an appropriate button. It also allows you to start your vehicle remotely.

Some cars offer the option to "summon" your car by pressing a single button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful when you have to get into a congested parking space.

Car keys can not work at the most inconvenient moments. You may be at a gas station, on the way to pick up groceries, or returning back home after a long day only to realize you've lost the spare key. This can be a nightmare! The majority of our stores are able to repair and replace keys on the spot.

If your vehicle is equipped with a remote key it 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 are waiting. It usually takes less than 30 minutes. There is plenty of time to do through your routine before picking keys.

Bring your key to one of our shops to have it duplicated. We will need to know the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key or fob for your particular car.

Visit your local Mister Minit today if you require a spare car key or want to be secure. We have the tools and experience to design a spare key that will last for the rest of your life. Keep it secure!