How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which offer convenience and security to car owners. However they also come with an expense. In some cases it can be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a vital component of most cars. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. The car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is significant since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to get it started and then take off.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.
If you require a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys for the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they usually cost significantly more than a locksmith. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs 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 costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be performed by an auto locksmith or dealership. The process could cost up to $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The most effective way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is crucial to have an extra car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can buy a duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the type of key.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is another option however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. It's not the best option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. car key cutting prices must also be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add 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 cut the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers with ease (though some require two working keys to do this).
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design a template to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also lower your key cutting expenses by purchasing a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature they will help you open the trunk and hatch.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they tend to consume battery power and make it difficult to use for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can often find these for a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually low, and can vary from $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding 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 must be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that has both the key fob and a new transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Most 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 in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.