How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using the key cutting machine on site. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that provide security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However, these devices come with an expense. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged can be high. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of theft from cars. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is significant since most thieves use hot wires to start it, and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not 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.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require an extra key for your vehicle that has transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which pair with the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.
The most effective method to cut down on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in the event that the original is lost. You can buy another key for between $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is crucial since 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 technology necessary to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can take them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the key blade to find chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not an option for everyone. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to send commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or a different specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these keys may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some may require two working keys for this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. 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 cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from your dealer in your vehicle.
Another way to cut your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality built-in.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often consume battery power, making it hard to use for long periods of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you can often find these for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and must be programmed using a special machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key that has chip could be costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to get the replacement code. keys cut are also known as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.