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 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 its contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. However, these devices come with costs. In some cases the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
If you're looking to get an extra car key made for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your specific car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership.
auto key cutting machine 's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they usually cost more than locksmiths. This is because they can benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to transfer their cost savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be completed by a dealership or auto locksmith. The process could cost up to $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possibly, labor costs.
The most effective way to save on car key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you plan to buy an inexpensive key online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has a chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not an option for everyone. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. However, this isn't the safest method because it may harm the electronics of the key or break the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and can increase the cost.
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 to just $50 by buying it online. Look for a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer.
Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template duplicate them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle.
You can also cut down on key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. 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. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature integrated into them.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they tend to consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, when you search at the internet or go to your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they have to be programmed with a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob and a transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.