How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is never a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. This costs on average 20% less than buying from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer security and convenience to owners. These devices aren't free. In certain instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to reduce the cost of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of an appointment with a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a vital component of most cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. In essence, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a device that can program new keys to match the make and model of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are connected to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly labor charges.
The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy another key for between $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the key type.
Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also go to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure that it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but it is not a viable option for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a cheaper alternative. But, it's not the most secure method as it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off 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. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to design keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. They also require to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement original key and fob from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by buying it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to design templates to replace a damaged or lost key it is less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting costs by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature built in, they can help you open your hatch and trunk.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, by searching at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. They are typically laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They must be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.
A key that has chip could be costly to replace and often requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that comes with the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob dies it could cost you to replace them. key cut service come with these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.