How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never a good idea. AutoZone provides 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 an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's typically 20% less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. However, these devices come with an expense. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of most cars. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing since most thieves use hot wires to start it, and then drive off.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to function. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they can profit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into 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. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly 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 an extra car key in case the original is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand files are a more affordable alternative. It's not the best option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to create, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle and can increase the cost.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for a key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.
Standard key fobs are much less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design templates to replace a damaged or lost key it is lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature built-in.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often consume battery power and make it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, get more info of key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look online or at your local hardware store.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually low and range between $10 and $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. Keys that are laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a special machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace them. The majority of modern cars have 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 also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.