How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never an ideal option. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a key that is working 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 the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide an element of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. These devices are not free. In some instances it could be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of all automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created in response to rising levels of theft from cars. The car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit 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 created for a car with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to the specific model and make of your vehicle. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly labor charges.
The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. It is crucial to have an extra car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're considering purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but it is not a viable option for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, this isn't the most secure option as it may damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off in the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
car key cutting cost to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer, or any other specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs are equipped with advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and this can increase the cost.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement original fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it online. Find the right key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. They can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template to make them again but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from the car's dealer.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that will 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 making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. car key cutting and programming are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you'll often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. They are typically laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob as well as a transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which work by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.