How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using an on-site key cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide a level of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of the majority of automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or Car Key Cutting Cost on the head itself.
If you need to have an extra car key made for a car with transponder chips We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they usually cost significantly more than locksmiths. They can achieve this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
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. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be completed by a dealership or auto locksmith. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.
The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is crucial to have an extra car keys cut key in the event that the original key is lost. You can purchase an additional key for $25-$50 at a box store or hardware store, depending on the key type.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option, but it won't be affordable for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. This isn't the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and this can add cost.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a brand new original key and fob from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits your car model. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut car keys or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and need a template to duplicate them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set purchased from your dealer for your car.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they have this feature built in they will assist you to open your hatch and trunk.
The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's model and make. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually low and vary from $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is often required to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they are able to open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.