How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never an ideal idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying dealership prices.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than going through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. However they come at a cost. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are options 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 need to pay the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a key component of the majority of automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then take off.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some shops, such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They achieve this because they take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. In Read the Full Guide , they are able to transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for between $25-$50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying an original key is that it's likely to have the right transponder chip. This is vital, as you will not be able use 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-day car keys and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can go to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade to find a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice a hand file is a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than their standard counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and can increase the cost.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $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 down to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Find a key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with ease (though some require two working, current keys for this).
Standard key fobs 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. They can be costly to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template reproduce them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set purchased from your dealer for your car.
You can also cut down on key cutting expenses by buying a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Read the Full Guide has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your keychain, and leave the electronics inside unchanged. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low, and can vary between $10 and $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware 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 larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and must be programmed with a specific machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics that must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob and the transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending a message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.