How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer an element of security and convenience to the car owner. However they also come with costs. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a key component of most cars. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
If you're looking to get a spare car key created for a car with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of your car. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they typically cost significantly more than a locksmith. They do this because they can benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.
The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in case the original is lost. You can buy an additional key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is essential since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern-day car keys They can only provide basic duplication services. get car key cut can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. You can do this by examining the key blade for chips or a cutout that shows signs of a previous key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not an option for everyone. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, a hand file is an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Many modern cars come with key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can increase the cost.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it on the internet. Search for a key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template make them again, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from your car's dealer.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality integrated into them.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching at the internet or go to your local hardware store.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are typically very affordable and vary from $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. These keys are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key using a microchip and it is often required to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending an electronic message from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.