How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership prices.
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. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. They are not free. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then drive off.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to visiting the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone offer a key programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They can do this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. car key cutting and programming can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor.
The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. car key cutting price is important to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase another key for between $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the key type.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. You can do this by examining the blade of the key for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of a previous key.
A key duplication machine is another option however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand-files are a more affordable alternative. However, it's not the safest method because it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than the standard keys. They also require to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits your car model. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to design an original template for a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.
You can also reduce your key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they can drain your battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's model and make. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will often find them at less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low and range from $10 to $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
It can be expensive to replace a key using a microchip, and it's often required to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components that must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150 to $300 for a key that includes the key fob and a transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.