How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying dealership costs.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20 percent less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. They are not free. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged can be high. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather than wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a vital component of most cars. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of car theft. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains a secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine starts. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys to match the model and make of your car. This is an excellent alternative to visiting the dealership.
It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that connect with the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to save on car key cut ting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy another key for between $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has chips or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but it isn't an option for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable alternative. But, it's not the safest method because it may damage the key's electronics or break the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can add up in cost too.
A new fob and key 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 only $50 by purchasing it online. Look for a key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template make them again, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle.
You can also lower your key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature built-in they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version when you search on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very affordable and range between $10 and $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local box retailer or hardware store. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed using a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key with microchips and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to obtain the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside that must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Many modern cars come with keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.