How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer a level of security and comfort to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost is high. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips used in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they usually cost more than locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possibly, labor costs.
The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware 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 a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's chips or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you're not happy with that, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, this isn't the most secure method as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. These are great features for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement original fob and key from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Look for the right key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They are still expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from the dealer for your car.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you are 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 integrated into them.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is often required to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be validated before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that comes with 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. Most modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. clicking here or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is near the receiver.