How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is never a good idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying dealership cost.
Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this is 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that offer security and convenience to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost is high. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of most cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to combat the rising number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is an important thing since most thieves use hot wires to get it started and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to function. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a car equipped with a transponder. car keys cut and programmed have a device to make new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to visiting the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they typically charge significantly higher than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. In other words, they can transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost as much as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.
The best method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing a factory key is that it's likely to come with the right transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade for chips or an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative, but it won't be affordable for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that function as remote controls that lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add cost.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you buy it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some require two current, working keys to do this).
Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to design a template to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also reduce your key cutting expenses by purchasing a new case to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective option to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you will often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low and range from $10 to $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
A key with chip could be costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that includes both the key fob and a new transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob is dead. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They work by sending messages from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.