How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.
Bring a key that is working 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 an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide a level of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However, these devices come with a cost. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is significant since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
If you need to have a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to the specific model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they profit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which connect with the vehicle when the key is placed into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges.
The best way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in case the original key is lost. You can buy an additional key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can go to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to see if there is a chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this is not an option for everyone. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. This isn't the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and even start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car and this can increase the cost.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by purchasing it online. Search for a key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed easily (though some require two current, working keys for this).
Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed following the fact. car key cutting and programming near me can be costly to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and require a template to reproduce them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set purchased from your dealer for your car.
Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature built in.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often drain the battery which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the make and model. A lot of key fobs can be repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for less than dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard 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 store. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed with a specific machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key that has a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob and the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob is dead. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.