How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership prices.
Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using an on-site key cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from an agent.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that provide an element of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at a cost. In some instances it can be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of most automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. The car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then take off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips used in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to create new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to 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 consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor.
The most effective method to save money on key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at a box store or hardware store, depending on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. car key cutting price can be done by checking the key blade for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of a previous key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not affordable for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable option. It's not the best alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. auto key cutting are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. These are great features for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your car, which can also add cost.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement original fob and key from the dealership. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of a new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it online. Search for a key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed after the fact. They can still be expensive to copy if you have damaged or lost keys and require a template to reproduce them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from the dealer in your vehicle.
Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will assist you to open your hatch and trunk.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power which makes 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. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you'll often find them at less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires a trip to the dealership to obtain a replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob dies, it can be costly to replace them. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending messages from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.