How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without paying dealership costs.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. However they also come with an expense. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare vehicle key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. Essentially, the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips used in cell phones and computers. 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 suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for a vehicle with transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to create new keys for your specific vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to visiting the dealership.
Also, auto key cutting to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they typically cost significantly more than locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to benefit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which connect with the vehicle when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.
The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discount. The advantage of buying an original key is that it will likely come with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the technology necessary to program modern-day car keys and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. car key cutting cost can take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith to have them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're thinking of buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to another vehicle. You can do this by examining the key blade for chip or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of a previous key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for everyone. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease with a vice hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. It's not the best 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 even start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost up to $300 to have a brand new original key and fob from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the user.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to design a template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.
Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to purchase an entirely new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're an affordable 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 have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the make and model. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, when you search online or at your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key then duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local hardware or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. Keys that are laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and they have to be programmed with a specific machine found in a locksmith shop or dealer.
It is costly to replace a key that has microchips and it is often necessary to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in the key fob fails it could cost you to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending messages from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.