How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without having to pay dealership prices.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer security and comfort to the car owner. However, these devices come with an expense. In certain instances it could be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and have to pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of car theft. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a vehicle with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for the make and model of your vehicle. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership.
It's also important to note that some stores, like AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they usually charge significantly higher than a locksmith. This is because they are able to profit 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 come with chips or transponders which connect to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. car key cutting are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in case the original key is lost. You can buy an additional key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the key type.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys They can only offer basic duplication services. You can also take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but it isn't an option for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. This is not the safest option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to design, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. They also require to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Look for an appropriate key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some will require two working, current keys to do this).
Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed following the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create a template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer.
Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to purchase a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. If they've got this feature they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's model and make. A lot of key fobs can be replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you'll often find these for less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low and vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed using a special machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key that has chips can be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components that must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.