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 parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using an on-site key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which offer convenience and security to car owners. They are not free. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase a spare key now instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of most automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. In essence, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then take off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips used in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they can take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that pair with the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. The process could cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The most effective way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you cannot make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
key cut places near me of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern-day car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. You can do this by looking at the key blade to find chips or a cutout that shows signs of an earlier key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not a viable option for everyone. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand files are an option that is more affordable. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than the standard keys. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and this can add up in price.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from the dealer for your car.
You can also cut down on key cutting expenses by purchasing a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights 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. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's model and make. Key fobs are often 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 if you look on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low and range from $10 to $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local box retailer or hardware store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. Keys that are laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified 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 a transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending messages from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.