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 key without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide a level of security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with a cost. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. There are methods to lower the expense of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a vital component of the majority of automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it and read s the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
If you need to have an extra car key made for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys for your particular car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is because they can benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.
The best method to save money on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car key They can only provide basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has chips or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut many keys in order to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand-files are a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your car and also to start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and can add cost.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it online. Look for the right key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but many are programmable by customers with ease (though some require two current, working keys to do this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template to duplicate them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from the car's dealer.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in, they can help you open the trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are typically very affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key that has chips can be costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. Dealers can charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery dies. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending messages from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.