How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from an agent.
Keys with Transponder chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. key cutting services was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing because most thieves simply use hot wires to start it, and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips 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 that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys for the model and make of your vehicle. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they usually cost significantly more than locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they can transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that connect with the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. 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 most effective method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is important to have an extra car key in the event that the original is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.
Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory-issued key is likely to 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 technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're thinking of buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. You can do this by checking the blade of the key for chip or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the safest method because it could harm the electronics of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs that function as remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and even 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 they are expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle and can add cost.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it online. Find an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.
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 requires reprogramming. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design an original template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than buying a new key from your car dealer.
Another method to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase a new case for 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 save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching online or at the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You can also buy an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob and the transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery dies. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.