How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this costs 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. These devices are not free. In some cases it could be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to rising levels of car theft. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. key cutting services of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys for the model and make of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they usually charge significantly higher than a locksmith. They can do this because they take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they are able to transfer their savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, 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. It is essential to have a spare car key in case the original key is lost. You can buy a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern-day car keys They can only offer basic duplication services. key cutting services can go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by examining the blade of the key for chips or an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable alternative. This is not the safest alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard 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 standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and this can increase the cost.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a brand new original key and fob from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most are programmable by customers with ease (though some require two working, current keys to accomplish this).
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to design a template to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than buying a new key from your car dealer.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying an entirely 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, but leave the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch when they've got this feature built-in.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you will often find them at less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very low, and can range from $10 to $15. You may also be able to purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key that has chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. Dealers can charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob as well as transponder chips.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace them. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They work 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 close to the receiver.
