How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without paying dealership prices.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20 percent less than buying from a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. They are not free. In some cases, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of an appointment with a locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require an extra key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys to the specific make and model of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some shops, such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect which 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 that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process could cost as high as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The best method to save money on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for around $25-$50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it's likely to come with the correct transponder chip. This is crucial because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. You can do this by examining the key blade for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an option that is more affordable. This isn't the most secure option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than the standard keys. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and can add up in price.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Search for the right key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more advanced models because they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design a template for a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer.
key car cutting to cut your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch when they've got this feature built-in.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These can often be found for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, by searching on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You can also buy an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer 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. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and must be programmed with a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop.
It can be expensive to replace a key using microchips and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace them. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending a message from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.