How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is not a good idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high prices.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. They are not free. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged could be costly. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. The car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving away.
replacement car key cutting operate on the same principle as the microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need an extra key for your vehicle that has a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys for your particular car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They typically charge more than a professional 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 the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process could cost as high as $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.
The most effective method to save money on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the key type.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. The benefit of buying the factory key is that it will likely come with the proper transponder chip. This is important, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. laser key cutting can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
If you plan to buy an inexpensive key online, make sure that it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. You can do this by examining the blade of the key for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease with a vice hand-files are a more affordable alternative. It's not the best alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. They also require to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could add up in cost as well.
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 reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits your car model. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to create a template for a lost or damaged key it is less than buying a new key from your car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting costs by purchasing a new case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will help you open the trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on your vehicle's model and make. A lot of key fobs can be replaced with new ones from third-party providers 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 alternatives.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low and vary from $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. These keys are typically laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
It is costly to replace a key with microchips and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they have electronics inside that must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. key cutting open now function by transmitting a message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.