How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car keys without paying dealership costs.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide an element of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. However, these devices come with a cost. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob that 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's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a key component of all automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. In essence, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is significant since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then take off.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys to match your car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they usually charge significantly more than a locksmith. They can achieve this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be performed by an auto locksmith or dealership. The process could cost as much as $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges.
The most effective method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having a spare 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 type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. The benefit of buying the factory key is that it will likely be equipped with the right transponder chip. This is important because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to see if there is a chip or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is another option however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, 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 isn't the most secure alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in 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 reduce the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers easily (though some may require two working keys to do this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design templates to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new key 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 replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to update your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they can drain your battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version if you look on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. These keys are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
It is costly to replace a key with microchips and it is often required to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or Car Key Cutting Cost start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that includes both the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob dies, it can you get car keys cut be costly to replace them. Most modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.