How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars have key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. However they come at a cost. In some instances it can be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. car key cutting to have a spare vehicle key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a key component of all cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need a spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they usually cost significantly higher than a locksmith. They can do this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are connected to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. It is crucial to have an extra car key in case the original one is lost. You can buy a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory-issued key will likely have the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or 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 to another vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is a different option, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. It's not the best option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronics. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in cost as well.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by purchasing it online. Find a 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 a lot are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some will require two working keys for this).
Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to design an original template for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the model and make. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look at the internet or go to your local hardware store.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually affordable and range from $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They must be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key using a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as transponder chips.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace them. These keys are found in most modern cars. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.