How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high cost.
Simply bring your current 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 purchasing from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide a level of security and comfort to the car owner. These devices aren't free. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob that is damaged or lost is high. There are ways to reduce the expense of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of a locksmith's visit or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid-1990s. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. In essence, the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is significant since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not 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 the key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require an extra key for a vehicle with a transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool to program new keys for the make and model of your vehicle. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They achieve this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which pair with the vehicle when the key is put 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 process can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, 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. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important 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 technology to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to determine if there's a chip or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not an option for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a much cheaper alternative. This is not the safest option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle and can increase the cost.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost up to $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to design an original template for a lost or damaged key it is less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting expenses by purchasing a new case to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature built in.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain batteries. Additionally, car key cutting mobile can be difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced using replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than the dealer-supplied version when you search on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and they have to be programmed using a special machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers will charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function 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 trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.