How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without having to pay dealership costs.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. key cut place aren't free. In some cases it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a key component of most cars. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed in response to rising levels of car theft. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing because most thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then take off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips used in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
If you need to have a spare car key created for a car equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys for the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they often charge significantly higher than a locksmith. They do this because they can profit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, 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. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy another key for between $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if it has chips, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine is another option however, it's not affordable for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a more affordable option. However, this isn't the safest method because it may harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could increase the cost too.
A new key and fob can cost up to $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 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many are programmable by customers easily (though some may require two working, current keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create templates for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, when you search at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low and vary from $10 to $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150 and $300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending messages from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.