How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not a good idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying dealership prices.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars have key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. They are not free. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been an integral part of most automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is an important thing since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
If you require an extra car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They achieve this because they benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost as high as $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.
The most effective method to save money 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 about $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're thinking of buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is a different option, but it won't be affordable for the majority of people. laser key cutting than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. However, this isn't the most secure method as it could harm the electronics of the key or break the key off in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could increase the cost as well.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you buy it on the internet. Search for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed easily (though some require two working keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace as 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 create a template for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer.
Another method to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature built in.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they drain batteries. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. cost to get a key cut are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's often required to visit a dealer 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 your engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace them. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.