How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys 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. On average, this is 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer a level of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at a cost. In some instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of all cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains a secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is a big deal because most thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
If you need to have a spare car key made for a car equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
he has a good point 's also important to note that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They can achieve this because they profit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, changing of the immobilizer's programming, 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. This means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the type of key.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. 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 hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to get 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 to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to see if there is chips or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not a viable option for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. This isn't the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and need a template to make them again but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from the car's dealer.
You can also reduce your key cutting expenses by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they've got this feature, they can help you open the trunk and hatch.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. 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'll typically find them for significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low and vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. They are usually laser cut, sometimes 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 have to be programmed using a specific machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer.
It is costly to replace a key with a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.