How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20% less than buying through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide an element of security and ease to the car owner. However they come at an expense. In some instances it can be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a key component of all automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of theft from cars. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is a big deal since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips found in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to function. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
If had me going need to have a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for the model and make of your vehicle. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they often cost more than locksmiths. They do this because they take advantage of a "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle whenever the key is placed into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly 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 important to have a spare car key in case the original is lost. You can buy an additional key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car key They can only provide basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key for a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however, it's not affordable for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. This isn't the most secure option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. These are tiny remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits the car model you have. Certain key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, had me going can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you have to create templates for a lost or damaged key it is less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.
Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to update your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature built-in.
The downside to these types of keys is that they often drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, if you look at the internet or go to your local hardware store.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually low and vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed using a special machine found in a locksmith 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. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob and a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace the keys. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.