How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than buying through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that provide security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with costs. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of all cars. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If he said matches the password, then the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it and then take off.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need an extra key for a car equipped with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to create new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they usually cost more than locksmiths. They do this because they can profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that pair with the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in the event that the original one is lost. You can buy a duplicate key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the type of key.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. The benefit of buying a factory key is that it will likely be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by checking the key blade to find chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure option as it could harm the electronics of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with ease (though some require two working, current keys to accomplish this).
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create templates to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than buying a new key from your car dealer.
Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the model and make. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If he said search online or in your local hardware store, you will often find them at a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low and vary from $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local box retailer or hardware store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are typically laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.
It is costly to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit a dealer in order to obtain the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob as well as transponder chips.
Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.