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 using a key-cutting machine. It's about 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer a level of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged could be costly. There are methods to lower the expense of these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and need to pay locksmith services or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a key component of all automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine starts. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
If you require a spare car key created for a car equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they typically cost significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps costs for labor.
The most effective method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original is lost. You can buy an additional key for $25-$50 at a box store or hardware shop, based on the key type.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory-issued key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade for chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative, but it won't be affordable for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. But, it's not the most secure option as it may harm the electronics of the key or even break the key in 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 basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in cost as well.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it online. Search for an appropriate key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be customer-programmed easily (though some require two working, current keys to accomplish this).
locksmith key cutting can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create an original template to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from a car dealer.
Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, and leave the electronics inside unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you can typically find them for a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine found in a locksmith dealership.
It is costly to replace a key using microchips and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.