How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high prices.
Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs which provide an element of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at costs. In certain instances the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged can be high. There are methods to lower the expense of these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of an appointment with a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been an integral part of the majority of automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to counter the growing number of car thefts. In essence, the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is significant since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership.
Also, it's important to remember that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they often cost significantly more than a locksmith. They can achieve this because they take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor.
The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at a box store or hardware shop, based on the type of key.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. A factory key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you cannot use a car keys cut and programmed key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car keys, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're thinking of buying a key car cutting at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by examining the blade of the van key cutting for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of a previous key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this isn't an option for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand files are an option that is more affordable. This is not the safest option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto car key cutting near me-parts store might have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some require two working, current keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create an original template for a lost or damaged key car cutting, the cost is much less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.
Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature built in.
These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version by searching at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually affordable and range between $10 and $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and they have to be programmed using a special machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key that has a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that must be validated before they are able to open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as the transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending messages from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.