How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without having to pay dealership prices.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this costs 20% less than going through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer security and comfort to the car owner. They are not free. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged is high. The good news is that there are methods to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid-1990s. The technology was developed in response to rising levels of car theft. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is a big deal because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it, and then take off.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to function. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
If you need to have an extra car key made for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone provide key programming services. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is because they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges.
The best method to save money on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the type of key.
Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. The advantage of purchasing an original key is that it's likely to come with the proper transponder chip. This is important, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car key They can only provide basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by checking the blade of the key for chips or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option however, it's not affordable for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand files are a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest alternative as it can cause damage to 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 that lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. They also require to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in cost too.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some may require two current, working keys to do this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to create an original template for a lost or damaged key it is lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving 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 with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature built in.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. Dealers charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending messages from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.