How to Cut Your car key cutting cost - Highly recommended Reading -
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high cost.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide security and convenience to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged is high. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of car theft. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has the secret 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 is started. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to get it started and then drive off.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require a spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys for the model and make of your vehicle. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores like AutoZone provide a key cut-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be performed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for a new van key cutting, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for between $25 to $50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. The benefit of buying a factory key is that it will be equipped with the right transponder chip. This is vital, as you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by checking the key blade to see if there is chips, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be bought, but it is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand files are an option that is more affordable. This isn't the most secure option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and also start the motor. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
automotive key cutting near me fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car and this can add up in price.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to get keys cut a replacement original key and fob from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by buying it online. Find a key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some require two current, working keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models since they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design a template for a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than buying a new key from your car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting expenses by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, when you search on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. Keys that are laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a special machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.
It can be expensive to replace a key with microchips and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to obtain the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they come with electronic components that must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could cost you to replace them. Keyless entry keys are available in most modern cars. They function by sending a message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.