How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this costs 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. These devices aren't free. In locksmith key cutting of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is significant since most thieves use hot wires to start it, and then take off.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips found in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your specific vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they usually charge significantly higher than a 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 increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be performed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of 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. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it 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. car key cutting and programming near me can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on 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. This can be done by looking at the key blade for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but it isn't an option for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. This is not the safest option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle, which can also add cost.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer easily (though some may require two current, working keys for this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template to duplicate them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from the dealer for your car.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature built in they will help you open your hatch and trunk.
The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's make and model. A lot of key fobs can be replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version when you search online or at your local hardware store.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually low and range between $10 and $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a larger shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
It can be costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is often required to visit a dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.
