How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never a good idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying dealership cost.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site using a key-cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that provide a level of security and ease to the car owner. However they come at costs. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged is high. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to counter the growing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction 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 and the key head.
If you need to have a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they usually cost significantly higher than a locksmith. They achieve this because they benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because 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 changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possible labor charges.
The best method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in case the original is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying an original key is that it will come with the right transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern-day car keys They can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade to find a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a much cheaper alternative. This is not the safest alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle through radio waves. They're a benefit 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. motorcycle key cutting must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in cost too.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Look for a key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some will require two working, current keys to do this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. 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 the car's dealer.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to update your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch, when they've got this feature integrated into them.
These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they can drain your battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, many key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will typically find them for significantly less than dealer-supplied options.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low, and can range between $10 and $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. Keys that are laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and must be programmed using a specific machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer.
It is costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is often necessary to visit a dealer in order to obtain the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace the keys. 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 then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.