How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20% less than buying from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide a level of security and comfort to the car owner. However they also come with a cost. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged can be high. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of all automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving off.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, car keys cut and programmed send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
If you're looking to get an extra car key made for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a device that can program new keys to the specific make and model of your vehicle. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership.
Also, it's important to remember that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They can achieve this because they profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost as high as $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for around $25-$50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is important, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase an inexpensive key on the internet, ensure that it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be accomplished by checking the key blade to see if there is chips, 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 equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. This isn't the most secure option because it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car, and even start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with 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 lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or other specialty service provider to create keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.
If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost up to $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you buy it on the internet. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed following the fact. car keys cut and programmed can still be expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template duplicate them but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from your car's dealer.
Another method to reduce your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they've got this feature built in they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local box retailer or hardware store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are typically laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
It can be expensive to replace a key that has a microchip, and it's often necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called smart or transponder keys, and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob and the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.