How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not an ideal option. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using the key cutting machine on site. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that offer security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at an expense. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for the 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 developed in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. try what he says is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving off.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
If you require an extra car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone offer a key programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they can profit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that pair to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. The process could cost up to $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The most effective method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store shop, based on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure that it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. It's not the best option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in 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 that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in cost as well.
A new fob and key can cost up to $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 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some will require two working keys to accomplish this).
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace since they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. They are still expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template to duplicate them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from your car's dealer.
Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to purchase an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they have this feature, they can help you open the trunk and hatch.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain the battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the vehicle's model and make. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, when you search online or at your local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually affordable and range between $10 and $15. You might also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are typically laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a specific machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics that must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that comes with the key fob, as well as the transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace them. These keys are found in most modern cars. They work by sending messages from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.