How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using the key cutting machine on site. It's typically 20% less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. However, these devices come with an expense. In some instances the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather 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 feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to counter the growing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving 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 recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to the specific model and make of your car. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership.
It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they often cost significantly higher than a locksmith. They achieve this because they take advantage of a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. The process could cost as much as $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possibly, labor costs.
The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will likely have the correct transponder chip. This is crucial because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. get more info can take them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade to find chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of a previous key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but this is not an option for most 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 at ease using a vice, hand files are a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option as it could damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and even start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and can increase the cost.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Find the right key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some may require two working keys to do this).
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template reproduce them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from the dealer in your vehicle.
You can also cut down on key cutting expenses by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature built-in.
The downside to these types of keys is that they often drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is often required to visit a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could be expensive to replace the keys. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.