How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is never a good idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership cost.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. It's typically 20% less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer convenience and security to car owners. However they also come with a cost. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather than wait until you lose your car key and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of the majority of cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys for the make and model of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
Also, it's important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, key car cutting cost higher than a locksmith. They do this because they can benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In other words, they can transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
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 crucial to have an extra car key in the event that the original one is lost. key car cutting can buy another key for between $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you cannot 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 keys, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by examining the key blade for chips or an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key.
A key duplication machine can be bought, but it is not a viable option for everyone. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. However, it's not the safest method because it could harm the electronics of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via 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 great locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to design, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle and this can add up in price.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a brand new original key and fob from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the user.
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create a template for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. These shells are an affordable solution to update your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they drain batteries. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the model and make. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for significantly less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut, often called sidewinder 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 found in a locksmith dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. Dealers can charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob and transponder chips.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace them. These keys are found in most modern cars. They function by sending messages from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.