Types of Car Spare Keys
Whether you lost your key during grocery shopping or you put it down to get your coffee, the loss of car keys happens. Keep an extra car key 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, and sometimes car keys and key fobs. Visit their website for the most current prices and other details.
Valet keys
Valet keys let the vehicle be driven, but they cannot unlock the trunk or the glovebox. They are a less expensive option than a regular replacement car key. They are usually used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the vehicle of the customer. They can also be employed by private parties to gain access to a vehicle if the remote key fob battery fails to function.
The primary reason for using a valet is to prevent theft. It is not unusual for valet parking attendants to take customers' vehicles for joy rides, and the valet key can act as a deterrent, making it difficult for thieves to steal the vehicle. Valet keys are also helpful for people who leave valuables in the boot or glovebox of their cars.
Modern valet keys retain the original function of lock keys from the past. They can still open the door to the driver's side but not the trunk or console lock. Some high-end luxury cars also have features that improve security like a restricted power output. This prevents the car from being started using the key unless the engine has been turned off.
These features are a good beginning but the valet key has its flaws. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and are able to open them with the use of a Crowbar. Furthermore, some keys for valet have weaker locks than the standard replacement key fobs.
In certain situations, the valet key may not function as expected in particular if it's been dropped or damaged. The key may cease to function suddenly and the owner might need to contact a locksmith to have it replaced. It is essential to ensure that you have a 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 vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. When you visit Mister Minit to repair your car key, it is important to know the year and model of the vehicle you are using.
Traditional Keys
Locksmiths can easily make traditional keys due to their an easy edge design. They don't have a transponder and therefore don't require encoding. They are made of brass or nickel and therefore are more durable. They also can handle rough handling and use.
A spare key will make it easier for you to avoid having to rekey your car if you lose it. It is a good idea to keep it separate from your keychain so that it is easy to find. It is possible to leave it with someone you trust to drive your vehicle in the event that you need to lock yourself out.
The majority of hardware stores and national home improvement chains provide key duplication services at affordable costs. KeyMe is typically available in these stores. It allows you to easily duplicate your keys from standard to modern in a matter of minutes. Visit their website to locate a store near you. Some of them can also create key fobs for push button start cars.
It is recommended to call ahead before heading to a store offering these services. You can also check online to determine what kind of keys they can make. Some locksmiths may not be able to create keys for locks with high security.
If you have a smart key, you'll have to get a replacement from the dealer. They must make sure that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can create a new key for you. To do this, they'll need evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.
If you have a traditional key, you can go to an auto parts store or locksmith. Both will be able make you a replacement key quickly and at a reasonable price. They'll be able duplicate your key from the beginning, or they will be able to provide you with a blank key that can be programmed to work with your car's key system. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle to accomplish that, so you'll need to have this information on hand if you're planning on going to these locations to have your spare key made.
Transponder Keys
In contrast to traditional keys, which make use of metal contacts to open the lock or begin the car, transponder keys have an electronic microchip built into the head of the key. This microchip transmits a low-level radio signal when the key is activated. The signal is a digital serial number that is matched with the key's code in the computer system of your vehicle. When the correct code is found the immobilizer in your car disarms, allowing the engine to start.
Transponder keys aren't just more secure, but they also make it difficult to duplicate a car key. In get spare key made near me , some cars will refuse to start if the wrong type of key is used (except for keys that are not transponder). As such, they are the preferred option for those who want to lower the possibility that your car is stolen or copied.
If you have lost or had your transponder keys stolen you should have a replacement made as soon as you can. A lot of locksmiths for automotive can replace your key fob or create a blank switchblade key that can be paired with your original key.
Transponder key replacements can be expensive however, they are typically cheaper than having your vehicle towing after a the theft. Additionally, it could be less time-consuming than visiting the dealership.
In addition to being able to repair or replace your broken or lost keys an automotive locksmith can also repair damaged ignitions and other components in your vehicle. They can also make duplicate keys for all makes and models of cars which makes them the best choice if you need a spare or lost your keys.
getting a spare key for my car to keep your spare car keys safe and not on your keychain. This will ensure that you don't risk accidentally losing or misplacing it. It will also make it easier to find your car when you're in a hurry. If you are worried about keeping your spare car key visible, keep it in the car's dashboard or in a hidden compartment.
Remote Keys

In modern vehicles keys are needed in addition to traditional keys for cars made of metal. Key fobs look more like a smartphone rather than a car key. make a spare key can unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing a single button. You can also start your vehicle remotely.
Certain cars also come with the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is great when you need to squeeze into a small space.
Car keys can sometimes stop working at the most inconvenient moments. You may be at a petrol station, on your way to get groceries, or perhaps driving home after an exhausting day. put your keys down for just a second and then realize you forgot to bring a spare key along with you. It can be quite frustrating! Fortunately, most of our stores are able to repair and make new key replacements on the spot.
If your car is equipped with a remote key, it has a small chip in it that needs to be programmed. Most of our Mister Minit locations have the tools needed to duplicate the transponder key of your car. We can duplicate your transponder car key while you wait. It usually takes less than 30 minutes. You'll have plenty of time to run errands before picking keys.
Bring your key to one of our shops to get it duplicated. We will require the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your car in order to duplicate the correct key/fob for your specific vehicle.
If you're having difficulty with your car key or you're interested in getting 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 an extra car key that will last for the rest of your life. Be sure to keep it in a safe place!