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 having to pay dealership prices.
Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using the key cutting machine on site. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with 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 methods to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a car equipped with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys for the make and model of your vehicle. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they typically cost higher than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle whenever the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges.
The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to determine if it has chips or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not a viable option for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut numerous keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to make than the standard keys. key cutter need to be programmed to work with your car, which can also add up in price.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Look for a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to create templates for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature built-in.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching online or at the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder 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 at the locksmith shop or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit a dealer to have the replacement coded. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.