The History Of Car Spare Key In 10 Milestones

The History Of Car Spare Key In 10 Milestones

Types of Car Spare Keys

It doesn't matter if dropped your car keys while shopping or if you put it down while you were getting your coffee. Keep an extra car key and be sure to check the places you frequently leave your keys.

Grocery stores like Save Mart and H-E-B have self-service key duplication machines that can duplicate house keys, as well as car keys and key fobs. Visit their website to find current prices and additional information.

Valet keys

Valet keys are a kind of spare car key that permits the vehicle to be driven but it isn't able to unlock a trunk or a glove box. They are usually a cheaper alternative to a regular replacement key. Most often, they are used by hotel valet attendants as well as mechanics working in repair shops to gain access to the car of the customer. They can also be employed by private parties to gain access to cars if the remote key fob battery fails to function.

The primary reason for using a valet is to prevent theft. Valet parking attendants are known for taking their customers' cars on fun rides. The valet key acts as an deterrent, making it more difficult to steal the car. Valet keys are also beneficial for those who regularly leave valuables in their car's glovebox or boot.

Modern valet keys preserve the original functions of locks from earlier times. They can open the driver's side door but not the console lock or trunk lock. Some high-end luxury vehicles also include features that improve the security of the valet keys, such as a restricted 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 but the valet key is not without its flaws. Some thieves know the limitations of these key fobs and are able to open them with the help of a bar. In addition, some valet keys have locks that are less secure than the regular replacement key fobs.

In some cases, the valet key may not function as expected, especially if it has been damaged or dropped. The key could cease to function abruptly and the owner may have to contact a professional locksmith to replace it. In the case of a malfunctioning key, it is important to have a spare.


Visit your local Mister Minit to get a duplicate if you require an additional key for your vehicle or lost your Attendant Key. It is a good idea to have the YEAR, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle handy when you visit for a replacement.

Traditional Keys

Locksmiths can easily create traditional keys due to their simple edges. They do not have a transponder, so they don't require encryption. They are typically made of brass or nickel, which makes them more robust and durable. They can also be able to withstand rough handling and abrasive use.

A spare key can help you avoid from losing your vehicle and going through the hassle of changing the key. It is recommended to keep it in a separate place from your keychain so it is easy to find. You can leave it with a family member whom you trust to drive your car if you need to lock yourself out.

Most national home improvement chains and hardware stores offer key duplication at affordable costs. They typically have a device called KeyMe, which allows you to easily make copies of your keys in a matter of minutes. You can find an outlet near you by visiting their website. Some of them also create key fobs for push button start cars.

Contact us prior to visiting a store offering these services. You can also look online to see what kind of keys they are capable of making. Certain locksmiths might not be able make keys for high security locks.

If you have a smart key, you'll have to get an alternative from the dealership. They will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they can make a new one for you. They will need evidence of ownership such as the registration or title to prove that.

If you have a traditional key you can visit an auto parts store or a locksmith. Both can make your replacement key quickly and at a reasonable cost.  Read Webpage  will be able to duplicate the original key or in a position to give you a blank key that could be programmed to work with your car's key system. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle to accomplish this, so you'll be required to keep that information in your possession if you're planning on going to these locations to have your spare key made.

Transponder Keys

Unlike traditional keys, which make use of metal contacts to open the lock or start the car, transponder keys are equipped with an electronic microchip embedded in the head of the key. When the key is turned on, this microchip sends an low-level signal. The signal contains the serial number that corresponds to the key code stored in your vehicle's computer. The immobilizer system of your car is disarmed when the correct code matches.

Transponder keys aren't just more secure, they also make it more difficult to duplicate keys for cars. Some cars will not start if you use a key that is not correct (except for keys that are non-transponder). This is why they are the best choice if you are looking to reduce the chance of your car being stolen or copied.

If you lose the keys to your car transponder chip or if they're stolen it's important to have a replacement key made as soon as possible. Many locksmiths in the automotive industry are able to replace your key fob, or create a blank switchblade key that can be linked up with your original key.

Transponder key replacements can be expensive However, they are usually less expensive than having your car towing after a the theft. It can also be quicker than visiting an auto dealer.

In addition to being able to replace your lost or broken key an automotive locksmith may also repair damaged ignitions as well as other parts of your vehicle. They can duplicate keys for a variety of types of automobiles and makes which makes them an ideal choice if need to replace your spare key or lose it.

It is essential to keep your spare car keys safe and not on your keychain. This will stop you from getting it lost or misplaced as well as make finding your car easier in case you're in a rush. If you're worried about leaving your spare key in a prominent place, try to keep it hidden under the dashboard or in a hidden compartment in your car.

Remote Keys

In modern vehicles, a key fob is required in addition to traditional car keys made of metal. A key fob is a small transmitter that appears more like an iPhone than a real car key. Key fobs are able to unlock and lock your vehicle by pressing a single button. It also lets you start your car remotely.

Some cars offer the option of "summoning" your car by pressing a button, similar to Tesla's summon feature. This is useful if you need to get into a tight parking space.

Car keys may stop working at the most uncomfortable moments. You could be at a gas station, en route to buy some groceries, or perhaps driving home after a long day when you put your keys down for just an instant only to realize that you forgot to carry a spare key with you. This can be frustrating! The majority of our stores are able to repair and replace keys immediately.

If your car has a remote key, it's likely to have tiny chips inside that must be programmed. The majority of Mister Minit's locations have the necessary equipment to duplicate the transponder key. We can duplicate your transponder car key while you wait. This typically takes less than 30 minutes. There is plenty of time to complete around before you pick up the keys.

You'll need to bring your current key to be able to have it duplicated at one of our locations. We will require the year, MAKE and MODEL of your car in order to duplicate the correct key or fob for your particular car.

If you're having issues with your car key, or if you're just looking to get an extra key to keep you safe visit your local Mister Minit store today. We'll have the tools and experience to make a spare car key that can last for a lifetime. Just be sure to keep it safe!