How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high costs.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site using a key-cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars have key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. However they also come with costs. In some cases it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of all cars. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing because most thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then take off.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. 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 need a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone offer a key programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase an additional key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware store, depending on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. The advantage of purchasing an original key is that it will likely be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is important, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're thinking of 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 looking at the key blade for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of a previous key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but it isn't an option for most people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If key cutting 're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by purchasing it online. Find the right key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed easily (though some will require two working keys for this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models because they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design templates for a damaged or lost key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.
Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective option to update your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature built-in.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they drain batteries. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key with a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending messages from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.