Spare Car Keys: Why Every Driver Needs One
Many drivers don’t think about a spare key until it’s too late. Everything is fine until one day the key goes missing, gets damaged, or suddenly stops working. That’s when people realise just how important a spare car key really is.
At Key Spot, we see this every day. Most emergency calls could have been avoided if the driver had a duplicate car key made earlier. In this blog, we’ll explain why every driver should have a spare key, how it can save you stress and money, and why getting one made by a professional is the smartest choice.
What Is a Spare or Duplicate Car Key?
A spare car key (also known as a duplicate car key) is an additional key that is cut and programmed to work with your vehicle, just like the original.
Depending on your vehicle, a spare key may include:
- A mechanical key blade
- A transponder chip
- Remote locking buttons
- Smart or push-start functionality
A properly made duplicate key should:
- Start the vehicle
- Unlock and lock the doors
- Work exactly like the original key
At Key Spot, we create spare keys for all vehicle brands, including transponder keys, remote keys, and smart / push-start keys, using professional tools and on-site mobile service.
Why Every Driver Should Have a Spare Car Key
Having a spare key is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. Here’s why.
1. Emergencies Happen When You Least Expect Them
Keys can be:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Dropped and damaged
- Locked inside the car
When you don’t have a spare, a small issue quickly becomes a major problem. A spare car key gives you immediate access and peace of mind.
2. Avoid the Stress of an All-Keys-Lost Situation
When all keys are lost, the replacement process becomes much more complex. The vehicle may need to be opened, locks decoded, and keys programmed from scratch.
Having a duplicate car key completely avoids this situation.
3. A Spare Key Saves You Money in the Long Run
Making a spare key while you still have a working key is:
- Faster
- Simpler
- More cost-effective
Replacing keys when all are lost involves additional steps, which increases time and overall cost. A spare key is a smart preventative decision.
4. Mechanical and Electronic Keys Wear Out
Car keys are used daily. Over time:
- Buttons wear down
- Casings crack
- Internal components fail
If your main key stops working and you don’t have a spare, you’re stuck. A spare ensures you’re never left stranded.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Spare Car Key?
Not having a spare key can lead to several problems:
- You may be locked out of your vehicle
- The car may not start at all
- You may need emergency locksmith assistance
- The replacement process becomes more complicated
- You lose time waiting for a solution
In many cases, customers only realise the importance of a spare key after they lose the original.
Is It Possible to Make a Duplicate Car Key If the Original Is Worn or Damaged?
Yes.
Even if your original key is:
- Worn
- Cracked
- Buttons not working properly
A professional locksmith can still make a duplicate car key. At Key Spot, we can decode, repair, and program spare keys even when the original key is not in perfect condition.
However, the earlier you make a spare, the easier the process is.
Why You Should Always Use a Professional for Duplicate Car Keys
Many people try to save money by:
- Buying cheap keys online
- Attempting DIY programming
- Using unverified services
This often results in:
- Keys that don’t work
- Immobiliser problems
- Wasted money
- Permanent damage to the vehicle’s system
Modern car keys require specialised tools, software, and experience. For this reason, duplicate car keys should always be made by a professional automotive locksmith.
Step-by-Step: How a Spare Car Key Is Made
Here’s how we make a spare car key at Key Spot:
Step 1: Key and Vehicle Inspection
We check the original key and identify the vehicle’s key type and security system.
Step 2: Cutting the Key
Using precision equipment, we cut the new key blade to match your vehicle.
Step 3: Programming the Key
The transponder chip and remote functions are programmed to communicate with your vehicle’s immobiliser system.
Step 4: Testing
We test:
- Engine start
- Door locking and unlocking
- Remote functionality
Only once everything works perfectly do we hand over the spare key.
Does This Apply to Smart and Push-Start Keys?
Yes.
Many drivers believe smart keys can only be duplicated at dealerships. This is not true. Professional locksmiths like Key Spot can create spare keys for:
- Smart keys
- Push-start vehicles
- Advanced remote systems
And we do it on-site, without towing your vehicle.
When Is the Best Time to Get a Spare Car Key?
The best time is now, while your original key is still working.
Don’t wait until:
- The key stops working
- It gets lost
- You’re locked out
Making a spare early avoids emergency situations altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it worth making a spare car key?
Yes. A spare car key saves time, stress, and money in the long term.
Can a duplicate car key work exactly like the original?
Yes, when cut and programmed correctly by a professional.
Can you make a spare key at my location?
Yes. Key Spot offers fully mobile spare car key services.
Do spare keys work for modern vehicles?
Yes. We make spare keys for transponder, remote, and smart key vehicles.
Should I buy a key online and have it programmed?
No. Cheap online keys often fail and can cause more problems than they solve.
Need a Spare Car Key? Contact Key Spot
If you don’t already have a spare car key, now is the perfect time to get one made.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 0 602 602 602
🔗 Contact us online: https://keyspot.co.za/contact-us/
Key Spot provides fast, professional, mobile duplicate car key services across Gauteng and the Western Cape — helping you avoid emergencies before they happen.