How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high costs.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. These devices are not free. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car key and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of the majority of automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys for the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they often cost significantly more than a 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 savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which connect with the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require 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 the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.
The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in the event that the original is lost. You can purchase an additional key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the key type.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price 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 chips or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. But, it's not the most secure option as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car and this can add up in price.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it on the internet. Search for a key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many are programmable by customers easily (though some may require two current, working keys for this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template duplicate them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set purchased from your car's dealer.
You can also cut down on cost of cutting keys by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your keychain, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often consume battery power, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, when you search online or at your local hardware store.
If key cutting car have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that are newer and require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they must be programmed with a specific machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery fails. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending messages from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.