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 key cut for car near me without having to pay a dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have mobile key cutting fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. However they come at costs. In some instances it can be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. Essentially, a car transponder chip transmits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is a big deal since most thieves use hot wires to get it started and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys to match the model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they benefit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor.
The best way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is important places to get keys cut near me have a spare car key in case the original is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for about $25-$50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. A factory key will most likely contain 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 shops do not have the equipment to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can go to a dealer, an independent auto key cutting near me repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's a chip, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be bought, but it isn't an option for everyone. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the most secure option as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are 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. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and this can add cost.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Look for the right key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. They can still be expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template to duplicate them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set purchased from your dealer for your car.
Another way to cut your key cutting costs is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality integrated into them.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look online or at your local hardware store.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually affordable and range between $10 and $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware store or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. Keys that are laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop.
It is costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is often required to visit a dealer in order to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob and transponder chips.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob dies it could be expensive to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending an electronic message from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is within close proximity to the receiver.