How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. It's typically 20% less than buying from an agent.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. They are not free. In some instances it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in automobiles since the mid-1990s. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is put in the ignition, the antenna ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a device that can program new keys to the specific make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership.
car key cutting near me is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which connect with the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in the event that the original is lost. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a box store or hardware shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing a factory key is that it will likely come with the correct transponder chip. This is crucial since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern-day car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can go to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're considering buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. You can do this by checking the blade of the key for chips or an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is a different option however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves, and 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 more affordable option. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by purchasing it online. Find the right key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design templates to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than buying a new set of keys from your car dealer.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're 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.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version if you look on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually low, and can range between $10 and $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local hardware store or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is within close proximity to the receiver.