How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs which provide a level of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with costs. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged can be high. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid-1990s. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. The car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When key cutter is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
If you're looking to get a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys for the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to remember that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They can achieve this because they take advantage of an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that connect with the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process could cost up to $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs.
The best method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is essential since 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 technology necessary to program modern car keys They can only offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if it has chips, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable alternative. 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
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and even start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. These are great features for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to create, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well.
If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost up to $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by buying it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some will require two working, current keys for this).
Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design templates for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature built in.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are typically very affordable and range from $10 to $15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local box retailer or hardware store. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. They are typically laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and must be programmed using a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key with chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.