How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. They are not free. In some cases it can be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car key and have to pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then take off.
Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips found in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require an extra key for your vehicle that has transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to program new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they often cost higher than a locksmith. They can achieve this because they profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor.
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 you should have an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at a hardware or box store shop, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase keys replacement online or at a reduced prices from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will likely have the correct transponder chip. This is vital, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key without having it 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 also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the 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 someone else's car. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this is not an option for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Many modern cars come with key fobs that function as remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
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 dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Find the right key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't contain an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template make them again however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from the car's dealer.
You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch if they have this functionality built-in.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the model and make. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These are usually available at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, when you search at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If keys cut have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob and a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob dies it could cost you to replace them. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending a message from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.