How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without having to pay dealership prices.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. It's about 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide security and convenience to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are cutting car key to reduce the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather instead of waiting until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
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 developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine starts. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your specific vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they typically cost higher than a locksmith. They can do this because they take advantage of an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect with the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps costs for labor.
The best way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for around $25-$50, based on the kind of key.
Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. The advantage of buying an original key is that it's likely to come with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial, since you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's 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 bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to see if there is an embedded chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be bought, but it isn't an option for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, it's not the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronics or break the key off inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock your car, unlock it and start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send 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 because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by purchasing it online. Find a key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to design a template for a lost or damaged key The cost is far less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also cut down on cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace 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. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they've got this feature they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they drain the battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for less than dealer-supplied options.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually low, and can range between $10 and $15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local box retailer or hardware store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. Keys that are laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine found in a locksmith dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key using a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics that must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending messages from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.