How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high costs.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20% less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs which provide a level of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at a cost. In certain instances it could be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today 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 had been an integral part of most automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to function. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is 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 a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a device that can program new keys for the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They can do this because they profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is placed into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost up to $500 for a 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 need to replace your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by examining the key blade to find chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however, it's not affordable for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable option. But, it's not the most secure method as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. key cutting car are great features for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to make than their standard counterparts. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add up in price.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers with ease (though some will require two working keys for this).
Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create an original template to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.
Another way to cut your key cutting costs is by simply buying a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature built-in.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, when you search on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. Keys that are laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a special machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key with chip could be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob and transponder chips.
Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.