How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. They are not free. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key cutting cost fob which is damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a vital component of all automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine starts. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores like AutoZone provide a emergency key cutting-programming service. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they can profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it's likely to be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is crucial, since you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores do not have the technology to program modern mobile car key cutting near me keys, which is why they can only provide basic key cutting car duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to get 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 need make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to determine if it has chips, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is a different option however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand-files are a more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure option as it may harm the electronics of the key or break the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car, which can also add up in price.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but many can be programmed by the customer with ease (though some require two working, current keys for this).
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to create templates to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality built-in.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version if you look online or at your local hardware store.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low and range from $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key with a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics which must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob as well as a transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace them. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending a message from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car key cutting on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.