How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership cost.
Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using an on-site key cutting machine. It's about 20% less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. However they come at a cost. In some cases, the cost of replacing the key fob that has been lost or damaged is high. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now instead of waiting until you lose your car key and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a key component of most automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and then drive away.
Transponder chips operate on a similar basis as microchips found in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
If you're looking to get a spare car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a device that can program new keys to match the model and make of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. They achieve this because they profit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. laser key cutting are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges.
The best method to save money on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase an additional key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the type of key.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory-issued key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or the dealer to have 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 make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade to find chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not affordable for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you're not sure about this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable alternative. However, it's not the most secure option as it could harm the electronics of the key or break the key off in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Many modern cars come with key fobs that function as remote controls that lock and unlock your car and also to start the engine. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and can add cost.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it online. Find an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some require two current, working keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you have to design a template to replace a damaged or lost key The cost is far lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from your car dealer.
Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially useful when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you can often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able 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 typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to obtain the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they can open doors or start your engine. Dealers charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob and a transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.
