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 key without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using an on-site key cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience to owners. These devices are not free. In some cases the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged could be costly. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It's much less expensive to get a spare car key made now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed to combat the rising number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has the secret password. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If laser key cutting near me matches the password, the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to function. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a car equipped with a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys for the model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they usually charge significantly more than a locksmith. They can do this because they can take advantage of an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be performed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in case the original one is lost. You can purchase an additional key for $25-$50 at a hardware or box store shop, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. A factory key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the tools needed to program modern car keys They can only provide basic duplication services. You can take them to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're considering purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to see if there is a chip, or a cutout showing evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it isn't an option for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than keys with blanks, which means you'll need to cut numerous keys to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand-files are an option that is more affordable. This is not the safest option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs, which are remote controls that allow you to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. They're a benefit for drivers, but they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for your car model. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. Although they can be costly 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.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having 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 vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use since they can drain your battery. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or visit your local hardware store, you can often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You can also buy an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. However, replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key that has chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in the key fob fails, it can be costly to replace them. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending a message from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.