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.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20% less than going through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer an element of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In some cases it can be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key cutting services fob. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a key component of most automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created in response to rising levels of car theft. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new car key cut key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a box store or hardware store, depending on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing an original key is that it's likely to be equipped with the proper transponder chip. 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 technology necessary to program modern car keys cut by code key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade to find chip or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
A key duplication machine can be bought, but it isn't an option for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable option. However, this isn't the most secure method as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key cutting car or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have 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 the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to make, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could increase the cost too.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost up to $300 to get a replacement original fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by buying it online. Search for the right key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed with ease (though some will require two working keys to do this).
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't come with an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed following the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design a template to replace 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 simply purchase a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch if they have this functionality built-in.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on the make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They must be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.
A key that has chips can be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your car key blade cutting before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob and transponder chips.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace the keys. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.