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 keys without paying a dealership's high cost.
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 going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at a cost. In some instances it could be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a vehicle with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys to match your car model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have 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 car keys because they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost up to $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by checking the key blade for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. It's not the best alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key 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 car, and start the motor. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to create, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than their standard counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can increase the cost.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you have to create an original template for a damaged or lost key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature built in.
The downside to 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 make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Internet Page of key fobs can be replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, when you search on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low and range from $10 to $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 encryption can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to obtain the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that includes the key fob and a transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Many modern cars come with these keys, which work by sending a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.