How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't a good idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership costs.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site using a key-cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that provide an element of security and convenience to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In certain instances it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of all cars. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to rising levels of theft from cars. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips found in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
If you're looking to get an extra car key made for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to match the model and make of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to remember that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they usually charge significantly more than locksmiths. They do this because they benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In other words, they are able to transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which pair with the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor.
The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
keys cut of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern-day car keys They can only provide basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade for chip or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
A key duplication device can be bought, but it is not an option for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease with a vice a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. It's not the best alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more advanced models because they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template to reproduce them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing a complete key set from the car's dealer.
Another option to reduce your key cut ting costs is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature, they can help you open the trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's model and make. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, when you search on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. Keys that are laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace them. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.