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 spare parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. It's about 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. They are not free. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost is high. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid-1990s. The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal since most thieves use hot wires to get it started and then drive off.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
If you require a spare car key made for a car equipped with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the model and make of your vehicle. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They can achieve this because they benefit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders that are connected 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 the vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps costs for labor.
The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to see if there is chips or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but this is not an option for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand files are a more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure option as it may damage the key's electronics or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and also to start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by purchasing it online. Search for a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer easily (though some require two working keys to accomplish this).
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. They can still be expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template make them again, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from the car's dealer.
Another method to reduce your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle 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 vehicle without having to search for your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in, they can help you open the trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching online or at the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and must be programmed with a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob and a new transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. cost of car key cutting function by sending an electronic message from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.