How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. However, these devices come with costs. In certain instances, it can locksmith cut car keys 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 buy a spare car key cutting key now instead of waiting until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of all automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches the password, the engine will start. This is significant since most thieves use hot wires to start it, and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to function. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
If you need to have an extra car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be done by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.
The best way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is important to have an extra car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, based on the type of key.
Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys cut from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will have the proper transponder chip. This is important, as you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're thinking of buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if it has chips or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is another option, but it won't be affordable for most people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. This isn't the most secure option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Many modern cars come with key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new original key and fob from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but many are programmable by customers with ease (though some will require two current, working keys to accomplish this).
Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design templates for a damaged or lost key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting expenses by purchasing a new case to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch if they have this functionality integrated into them.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the model and make. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can typically find them for significantly less than dealer-supplied options.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually low and range from $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key that has chip could be costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could cost you to replace them. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.