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 require to replace your car key without having to pay dealership cost.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. These devices are not free. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost is high. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now instead of waiting until you lose your car key 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 cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to match the make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they typically charge significantly higher than a locksmith. They can do this because they benefit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process could cost up to $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. It is crucial to have an extra car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure that it's not programmed to someone else's vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative, but it won't be affordable for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and this can increase the cost.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it online. Search for the right key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the user.
Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template to make them again, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from the dealer for your car.
Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version by searching on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as just $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. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They must be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
A key that has chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.