How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cutting machine on site. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from dealers.
auto key cutting with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide an element of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that has been damaged or lost could be costly. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of the majority of automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys to match your vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They can achieve this because they benefit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In other words, they can transfer their savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost up to $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. automotive key cutting is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have 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 make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key for chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but this isn't an option for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. It's not the best option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and also to start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many 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 must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create templates for a lost or damaged key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.
You can also lower your key cutting expenses by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature built in.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often drain the battery, making it hard to use for long periods of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. 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 blade and they must be programmed using a special machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key with microchips and it is often required to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your car before it can open 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.
Keys with keyless entry may also be expensive to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.