How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
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. It's about 20% less than purchasing through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs which provide a level of security and comfort to the car owner. However, these devices come with an expense. In some instances, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged can be high. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car keys and need to pay locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. Transponders in cars transmit an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips used in cell phones and computers. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they send 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.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to the specific model and make of your car. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They achieve this because they take advantage of a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that pair to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The most effective method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
get keys cut of hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also bring them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. You can do this by looking at the key blade for a chip or for a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative, but it won't be affordable for most people. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. However, it's not the safest method because it may cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Many modern cars come with key fobs, which are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and even start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add up in price.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost you up to $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with ease (though some may require two current, working keys to do this).
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models since they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template to reproduce them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from your dealer in your vehicle.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without the need to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle 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. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality integrated into them.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use since they drain batteries. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the model and make. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, when you search at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low, and can vary from $10 to $15. You may also be able to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace them. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob into an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.