How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high cost.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs which provide security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In certain instances it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to start it, and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your specific car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they typically cost significantly more than a locksmith. They do this because they take advantage of a "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.
The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the type of key.
Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
cheap key cutting of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're thinking of buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has a chip or cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but it is not a viable option for everyone. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, it's not the safest method because it may harm the electronics of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to create, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to produce than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Search for an appropriate key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some may require two working, current keys to do this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate in the event that you need to create an original template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.
You can also lower your key cutting expenses by buying a new shell to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature built-in.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, if you look at the internet or go to your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
It can be costly to replace a key using microchips and it is often necessary to visit a dealer in order to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new key that has both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.