How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high prices.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. These devices aren't free. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then drive off.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to function. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
If you need to have a spare car key created for a car equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to create new keys for your specific vehicle model and. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they usually charge significantly more than a locksmith. They do this because they take advantage of a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly labor charges.
The best method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding 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 an additional key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
If you plan to buy a cheap key online, make sure it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by examining the key blade to find chips or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not a viable option for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a cheaper alternative. This isn't the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Many modern cars come with key fobs that function as remote controls that lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than the standard keys. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and can increase the cost.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by buying it online. Look for an appropriate key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but many are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some will require two working, current keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design templates to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also cut down on cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, and leave the electronics inside unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature built-in.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you'll often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low and vary from $10 to $15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually 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 key's blade, and they must be programmed using a special machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key with chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery fails. locksmith key cutting can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.
