How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this is 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. However they also come with an expense. In some cases it can be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of all automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. Transponders in cars transmit a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips found in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys to match your vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores, like AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they often cost more than locksmiths. This is because they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.
The most effective method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is important to have a spare car key in case the original key is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for around $25-$50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. The advantage of purchasing an original key is that it will come with the correct transponder chip. This is important because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to see if there is an embedded chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be bought, but it is not an option for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. It's not the best option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronic components. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car, which can also add cost.
If you lose your only working fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Search for the right key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed following the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design an original template to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than buying a new key from your car dealer.
You can also reduce your key cutting costs by purchasing a new case to replace your old key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective option to update your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they've got this feature they will assist you to open your hatch and trunk.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the model and make. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you will typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. dig this have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and must be programmed using a special machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key that has chips can be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as a transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace them. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.