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 you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high cost.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that provide an element of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In certain instances it can be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to reduce the expense of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car key and then pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of most cars. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. Transponders in cars transmit a secret code via a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal because most thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
If you need to have an extra car key made for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they can benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which are connected to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be done by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying a factory key is that it will be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial, since you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're thinking of buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine may be purchased, but this is not an option for most people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease 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 break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to design, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed easily (though some will require two working keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that must be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to create an original template for a lost or damaged key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.
You can also cut down on key cutting expenses by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that will replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature built in, they can help you open your hatch and trunk.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, if you look online or at the local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. They are usually laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank and have less grooves carved out on the key's blade, and must be programmed with a specific machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob and the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. car key cutting of modern cars have keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.