How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is never an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. They are not free. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are methods to lower the expense of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase 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 is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving off.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for a car equipped with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they can benefit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges.
The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not have them 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 between $25-$50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure that it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by examining the key blade for a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of a previous key.
A key duplication device can be bought, but it isn't an option for everyone. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable option. This isn't the most secure option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to design keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your car, which can also add cost.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by purchasing it online. Find an appropriate key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some will require two working, current keys to do this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models since they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template reproduce them but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from the car's dealer.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is by simply buying a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving 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 for Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality built-in.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version if you look at the internet or go to your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to get the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. auto key cutting or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.