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 you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high prices.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using the key cutting machine on site. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from an agent.
Keys that have Transponder chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide a level of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In certain instances it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today than wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
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. This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
If you require a spare car key made for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to program new keys for your specific vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to remember that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they typically cost significantly higher than a locksmith. They do this because they can benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor.
The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. car key cutters should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, based on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need 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 a cutout that shows signs of an earlier key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not affordable for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. But, it's not the most secure option as it may damage the key's electronics or break the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. They also need to be programmed to work with your car, which can also add up in price.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by buying it online. Look for a key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with ease (though some may require two working, current keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from the dealer in your vehicle.
You can also reduce your key cutting expenses 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 keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they have this feature, they can help you open your hatch and trunk.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's model and make. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you will often find them at less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local hardware store or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. Keys that are laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed using a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key with a microchip and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.