How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting car machine. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.
Keys with Transponder chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However, these devices come with costs. In some instances the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of an appointment with a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of all cars. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need an extra key for a car equipped with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to match the model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process could cost as high as $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs.
The best method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase an additional key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. The benefit of buying the factory key is that it's likely to be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key 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 an inexpensive key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if it has chips or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not affordable 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're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. However, it's not the most secure option as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, dealer in automotive, or a different specialist service provider to design keys, key cut places near me fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than the standard keys. They also require to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers with ease (though some will require two working, current keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design templates to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also reduce your key cutting expenses by purchasing a new case to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to update your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car mobile key cutting service fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature, they can help you open the trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain batteries. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you'll often find these for significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed using a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace them. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob into the car's receiver. The mobile car key cutting near me locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.