How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from dealers.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which offer convenience and security to car owners. However they also come with a cost. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid-1990s. The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. auto key cutting machine transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is a big deal since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it, and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys to match your vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be performed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possibly, labor costs.
The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not require them 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 from a hardware store or box store for between $25-$50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they offer only basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to find chips or a cutout that shows signs of the previous key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but this is not an option for most people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, a hand file is a more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the most secure method as it may harm the electronics of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than their standard counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and this can add up in price.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Find an appropriate key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs for standard keys are less expensive than more advanced models to replace since they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create an original template to replace a damaged or lost key it is lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from a car dealer.
Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer a lot of benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. They can even help you open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature built in.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term usage because they drain the battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you'll often find them at a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip and it is often necessary to visit a dealer in order to obtain the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder keys or smart keys, and they are equipped with electronics which must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that has both the key fob and a new transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Many modern cars come with these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.