How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In some instances the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost can be high. There are methods to lower the expense of these devices. It's cheaper to buy a spare key now than wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. The basic idea behind the car key cutting service near me transponder chip emits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith key cutting if you need an extra key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their cost savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys cut near me now have transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of 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 crucial to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for around $25-$50, based on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it's likely to come with the correct transponder chip. This is vital, as you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to see if there is an embedded chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a much cheaper alternative. This isn't the most secure option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, dealer in automotive key cutting near me, or a different specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost upwards of $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with ease (though some require two working keys for this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to design templates for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer.
Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in, they can help you open your hatch and trunk.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they can drain your battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's usually necessary 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 must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could cost you to replace them. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.