How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without having to pay dealership costs.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site using a key-cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and convenience to the car owner. However they come at an expense. In some instances it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are methods to lower the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a key component of most automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of car theft. Transponders in cars transmit a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is significant because most thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then drive off.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a car with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they usually charge significantly more than a locksmith. They can do this because they can benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that connect 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 can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is crucial since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern-day car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade for a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key.
A key duplication machine can be bought, but it is not an option for the majority of people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand files are a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure method as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Many modern cars come with key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and also to start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well.
If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost up to $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by buying it online. Find the right key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to create templates for a lost or damaged key it is less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer.
Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range 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 spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature built-in.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. automotive key cutting are usually available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, by searching at the internet or go to your local hardware store.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually low, and can range between $10 and $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that has both the key fob and the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.