How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. sneak a peek here costs on average 20% less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. However they come at costs. In certain instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which is damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car key and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid-1990s. This technology was created in response to rising levels of vehicle theft. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving off.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need an extra key for a car equipped with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys to match your vehicle model and. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some shops, such as AutoZone provide key programming services. However, they typically cost more than locksmiths. This is because they can benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that connect to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for new keys, the programming of the immobilizer and possibly, labor costs.
The most effective way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase an additional key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing a factory key is that it will come with the right transponder chip. This is important, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car key, so they can only offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. You can do this by examining the blade of the key for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an alternative that is less expensive. This isn't the most secure option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the cost too.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 if you buy it on the internet. Look for an appropriate key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with ease (though some require two working keys to do this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than the more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate in the event that you need to design templates for a lost or damaged key The cost is far less than purchasing a new set of keys from your car dealer.
You can also reduce your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality built-in.
The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's model and make. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you'll often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually low, and can vary between $10 and $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed using a special machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key that has chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that must be verified before they are able to open doors or start engines. Dealers charge between $150 and $300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as transponder chips.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace them. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending a 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 within close proximity to the receiver.