How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. 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 on site with a key cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at costs. In some cases it could be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing charges.
get car key cut (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to rising levels of car theft. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require an extra key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths will have a device that can program new keys to match the model and make of your vehicle. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone provide key programming services. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they profit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are connected with the vehicle when the key is placed into 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 the vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.
The most effective method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it's likely to be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you plan to buy a key for a low price online, make sure it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option however, it's not affordable for most people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about that, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. This is not the safest alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Look for the right key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer.
Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design a template to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than buying a 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 old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things 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 frequently consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version when you search online or at your local hardware store.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low, and can vary from $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob and the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Most modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.