How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than going through a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide an element of security and ease to the car owner. However they come at a cost. In some cases, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of most cars. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. The car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores such as AutoZone provide a key car cutting-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders that are connected to the car key cutting near me when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase an additional key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key for a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not an option for everyone. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs, which are remote controls that lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Some of these key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design a template for a damaged or lost key it is less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will help you open the trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version when you search on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually very affordable and vary from $10 to $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder key cutting near me keys or smart keys, and they have electronics inside that must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that includes the key fob and a transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace the keys. These keys are found in most modern cars. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.