How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. It's about 20% less than buying from dealers.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. These devices are not free. In some cases, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy a spare key now than wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of most automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. The car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing since most thieves use hot wires to start it, and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.
auto key cutting recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to create new keys for your specific vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to remember that some shops, such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they usually cost higher than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to 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 consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle 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 is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges.
The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. It is important to have an extra car key in case the original key is lost. You can purchase an additional key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been 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 an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be bought, but it is not a viable option for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not sure about this, a vice or hand file are a much cheaper alternative. But, it's not the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and even start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Look for a key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some will require two working, current keys to do this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from the dealer for your car.
You can also reduce your key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you are carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in they will help you open your hatch and trunk.
These keys aren't recommended 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. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find them at a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key with a microchip, and it's often required to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they have electronics inside which must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob and transponder chips.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.