How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high cost.
Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than going through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that offer an element of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In certain instances it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are methods to lower the costs associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is an important thing because most thieves simply use hot wires to start it, and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
If you need to have a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they profit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges.
The best method to save money on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for about $25 to $50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will come with the correct transponder chip. get keys cut is essential since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the technology necessary to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. You can do this by checking the key blade for a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is another option, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an option that is more affordable. However, it's not the safest method because it may harm the electronics of the key or break the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. They also require to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by buying it online. Look for a key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be customer-programmed easily (though some require two working, current keys to do this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design templates for a lost or damaged key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting expenses by purchasing a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature built in.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's model and make. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, by searching at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. Keys that are laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and they must be programmed using a specific machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace them. Most modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.