How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal idea. 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 is 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that offer a level of security and comfort to the car owner. However, these devices come with costs. 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 buy an extra key now rather than wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a key component of all automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches with 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 drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is identified by special receivers 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 vehicle with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting a dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. locksmith key cutting can do this because they can benefit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that pair with the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be performed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps costs for labor.
The best method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will likely come with the right transponder chip. This is important, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're thinking of buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. You can do this by examining the key blade for chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of a previous key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside 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. These are great features for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.
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 reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits your car model. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template to duplicate them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from your dealer for your car.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with 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 are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature built-in.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look at the internet or go to your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Keys that are newer and require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they must be programmed using a special machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob and a transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending an electronic message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.