How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. This costs on average 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide an element of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with a cost. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of most automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to combat the rising number of car thefts. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
If you need to have a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a device that can program new keys for the make and model of your vehicle. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they usually cost significantly higher than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.
The best way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. key cutting services can buy another key for between $25-$50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it's likely to come with the right transponder chip. This is essential since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car keys They can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's chips or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be bought, but it isn't an option for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not happy with that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. It's not the best option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can add cost.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create templates for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use since they drain the battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version if you look online or at the local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very 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. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Many modern cars come with keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.