How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key 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. It's about 20% less than purchasing through a 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, it can be quite high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid-1990s. The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to start it, and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for your vehicle that has a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a device that can program new keys for the model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. automobile keys made near me do this because they benefit 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 turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.
The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in case the original key is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for around $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by checking the key blade to see if there is chips or cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not affordable for most people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you don't feel at ease with a vice a hand file is a more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They are a convenience for drivers, however they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could increase the cost too.
If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to have a brand new original key and fob 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. Search for a key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some will require two working, current keys to do this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more advanced models because they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. They can still be expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template make them again but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from the dealer in your vehicle.
Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is particularly useful when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature built in they will help you open your hatch and trunk.
The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the make and model. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you can typically find them for significantly less than dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob and transponder chips.
Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Most modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.