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 keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. This costs on average 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. They are not free. In some cases it can be expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
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 combat the rising number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits a signal that contains an encrypted password. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a car equipped with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the model and make of your car. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
Also, it's important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. They do this because they can profit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that pair to the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.
The most effective method to save money on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in the event that the original one is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for around $25-$50, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing an original key is that it will have the correct transponder chip. This is crucial because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
If you plan to buy a key for a low price online, make sure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by examining the blade of the key to see if there is a chip or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative however it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable option. It's not the best alternative as it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and can add cost.
If you lose your sole working fob, it can cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new original key and fob from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these key fobs need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and need a template to duplicate them, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set purchased from your dealer for your car.
Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic outer and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If key cut service got this feature built-in, they can help you open the trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, when you search on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low and range from $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy 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. Keys that are laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine that is found at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to obtain a replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they can open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could cost you to replace the keys. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending an electronic message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is in close proximity to the receiver.