How to Cut Your Car key cutting cost (here)
The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site using a key-cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. These devices aren't free. In some cases, the cost to get car key cut of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. There are methods to lower the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for a locksmith 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. This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is significant since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it, and then take off.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be identified by special receivers 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 device that can program new keys for the make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone will provide key programming services. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly labor charges.
The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can buy a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying an original key is that it will likely come with the right transponder chip. This is crucial, since you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the technology necessary to program modern-day car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy a key for a low price online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to see if there is an embedded chip, or a cutout showing the signs of an old cheap key cutting.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but it is not a viable option for everyone. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of 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 as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could increase the cost as well.
If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost up to $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by purchasing it online. Search for the right key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer.
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. They are still expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template to make them again but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle.
Another way to cut your key cutting costs is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching online or at the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You can also buy an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a special machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key using microchips and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement car key cutting code. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they have electronics inside which must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob is dead. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.