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 the parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
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% less than buying from an agent.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that provide an element of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In some cases it could be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine starts. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving off.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as 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 which can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.
If you require a spare car key made for a car with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. Many 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's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone provide key programming services. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are connected to the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only 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 possible labor charges.
The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying a factory key is that it will come with the proper transponder chip. This is vital, as you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware 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 also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price 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 see if there is an embedded chip or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is another option, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not happy with that, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, this isn't the most secure option as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed with ease (though some may require two working, current keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They can be costly to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and need a template to make them again but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from the car's dealer.
You can also reduce your key cutting costs by purchasing a new case to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they've got this feature they will help you open the trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you will typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If key cut service have a standard key, duplication costs are usually low, and can range between $10 and $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. Keys that are laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer.
It can be expensive to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit a dealer in order to obtain the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components that must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.