How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high cost.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using an on-site key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. They are not free. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been lost or damaged can be high. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key now rather than wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of all automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then take off.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
If you require a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to create new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they often cost significantly more than a locksmith. They do this because they can profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are connected to the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges.
The best way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for around $25-$50, based on the type of key.
Most people don't know 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 be equipped with the right transponder chip. This is important because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. You can do this by examining the key blade to find chips or an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option however, it's not affordable for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not happy with that, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. However, this isn't the safest method because it may damage the key's electronics or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and even start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. look here require programming to work with your car and this can increase the cost.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by purchasing it online. Find a key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.
Standard key fobs 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 are still expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template make them again but they're much cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set from your car's dealer.
Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch if they have this functionality built in.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently consume battery power, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on your vehicle's make and model. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, by searching on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able to purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. Keys that are laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key that has a microchip and it is often required to visit a dealer in order to get the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace the keys. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.