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 the parts to replace your keys without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using a key cutting machine onsite. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs which provide an element of security and comfort to the car owner. However they also come with costs. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are methods to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of most cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. In essence, the chip in a car transponder transmits a signal that contains the secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is significant because the majority of thieves simply use hot wires to start it and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.
If you're looking to get an extra car key made for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys to match your car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they usually cost more than locksmiths. They achieve this because they profit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. In other words, they can pass on their costs savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that are connected to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern-day car keys, so they can only provide basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to see if there is a chip or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the safest method because it could damage the key's electronics or break the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that function as remote controls that allow you to lock your car, unlock it and start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to make than their basic counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can add up in costs as well.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create a template for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand 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 current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature built in they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's model and make. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than a dealer-supplied option, when you search on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are typically very low and range from $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding can be expensive. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
key car cutting can be expensive to replace a key that has microchips and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that must be validated before they are able to open doors or start your engine. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob as well as a transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Most modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is near the receiver.