How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's about 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. These devices are not free. In some cases it can be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to get a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing charges.
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 developed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar 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 placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to the specific make and model 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 stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they usually cost significantly more than a locksmith. They achieve this because they profit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process could cost as much as $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges.
The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. 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 don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. The benefit of buying the factory key is that it's likely to come with the correct transponder chip. This is crucial because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by examining the key blade for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key.
A key duplication device can be bought, but it is not an option for everyone. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. However, this isn't the safest method because it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via 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 standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. They also require to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could add up in costs as well.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Look for a key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template reproduce them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from your dealer in your vehicle.
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 new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer many advantages. get car key cut allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature built in.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain the battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's model and make. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, if you look at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from the 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 in close proximity to the receiver.