How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. These devices aren't free. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged can be high. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now than wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. In essence, the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains a secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, Car Key cutting cost the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then take off.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
If you require a spare car key made for a car equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a device that can program new keys for the model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to visiting the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone offer a key programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is because 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 consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected 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 can only be performed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor.
The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able use a car key cutters near me key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's chips or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease with a vice hand-files are a more affordable alternative. However, it's not the most secure option as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls that lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can add up in price.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models since they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template reproduce them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set purchased from your car's dealer.
Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to purchase a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature built in.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often drain the battery and make it difficult to use for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the model and make. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually 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 typically very low and range between $10 and $15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. Keys that are laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine at getting a new car key cut dealership or locksmith shop.
It is costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is often necessary to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that has both the key fob and the transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They function by sending messages from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.