How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership cost.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this is 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. They are not free. In some instances it could be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of most automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. In essence, the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine starts. car cutting out is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
If you need to have a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to the specific model and make of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They can do this because they can profit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to transfer their savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which connect to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. They 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 the vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.
The most effective method to save money on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. That 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 kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.
A key duplication device can be bought, but it is not an option for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. This is not the safest option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in cost as well.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some may require two working, current keys for this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate in the event that you need to design templates to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from a car dealer.
Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature built-in.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often drain the battery which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's model and make. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors 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 options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local box retailer or hardware store. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that has both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could cost you to replace the keys. These keys are found in most modern cars. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.