How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never an ideal idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying dealership prices.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using an on-site key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from an agent.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which offer security and convenience for car owners. These devices are not free. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged could be costly. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and 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 automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is significant because most thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it, and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
If you need to have a spare car key made for a car with transponder chips We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to match the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. They do this because they take advantage of a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to cut down on car key replacement costs is to not require them in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in the event that the original is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. The benefit of buying a factory key is that it will likely have the right transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
car key cutting of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys They can only offer basic duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by looking at the key blade for a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it is not a viable option for most people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure option as it could harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off inside the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than the standard keys. Fobs also require programming to work with your car, which can also add cost.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more advanced models because they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template to make them again however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from the car's 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 variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will help you open the trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually low, and can range between $10 and $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed by a specific machine in a locksmith or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob and transponder chips.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.