How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership prices.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs which provide a level of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with costs. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged could be costly. There are ways to reduce the expense of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and have to pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of most automobiles. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created in response to rising levels of theft from cars. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
If you need to have a spare car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that some stores, like AutoZone will offer a key programming service. However, they usually charge significantly more than a locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be performed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process can cost anywhere from 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 essential to have an extra car key in the event that the original is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial, since you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key They can only offer basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop, or a locksmith to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for the vehicle of someone else. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however it's not affordable for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand-files are a more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls that lock and unlock your car and start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. 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 reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to produce than the standard keys. keys cut must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Look for the right key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer.
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 are still expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and need a template to duplicate them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set purchased from your dealer for your car.
cutting key to cut your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective solution to update your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. If they have this feature they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, if you look online or at the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
A key that has chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace the keys. Most modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.
