How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal option. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. It's typically 20% less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. These devices are not free. In certain instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a vital component of the majority of cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit a secret code via a signal. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal because most thieves simply use hot wires to get it started and then drive off.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your specific car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is because they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to transfer their cost savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor.
The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key They can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. cut and program car key can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is another option however, it's not affordable for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice a hand file is an option that is more affordable. It's not the best option as it could harm 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, which are remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to design, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than their standard counterparts. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car and this can increase the cost.
If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can still be expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template to make them again, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from your dealer for your car.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will assist you to open your hatch and trunk.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll often find these for less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed with a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key with chip could be costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics which must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery dies. The majority of modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.