How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at a cost. In some instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a vital component of the majority of cars. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When car key cutting prices is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys to the specific make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. They achieve this because they take advantage of a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges.
The most effective method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware shop, based on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it's likely to be equipped with the right transponder chip. This is important, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
A key duplication device can be bought, but it isn't an option for everyone. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. However, it's not the most secure method as it could damage the key's electronics or break the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. 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 can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car and can increase the cost.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost you up to $300 to get a replacement original fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Look for a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Standard key fobs 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 needs to be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template to reproduce them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set purchased from your dealer for your car.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced using replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than dealer-supplied options, by searching on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and must be programmed with a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key that has chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as the transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace the keys. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending messages from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.