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 spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this is 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that provide an element of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with an expense. In some instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today than wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid 1990s. This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips function on a similar basis as microchips in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
If you need to have a spare car key created for a car with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys to match your vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone will offer a key programming service. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. They achieve this because they benefit from an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which connect with the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, 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. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at an affordable price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket 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 offer only basic key duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.
If you plan to buy a cheap key on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to see if there is a chip or cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is a different option however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut many keys to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand files are a more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure option as it could harm the electronics of the key or break the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs that function as remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronics. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can add up in costs as well.
If you lose your only working fob, it can cost you up to $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have an appropriate key fob for 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 user.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've damaged or lost keys and need a template to duplicate them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set purchased from your car's dealer.
You can also lower your key cutting costs by buying a new shell to replace your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, and leave the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially when you're carrying groceries or other heavy weights in your hands. They can even help you open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature integrated into them.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a much lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. key cutter 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 found in the locksmith shop or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key with a microchip and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 and $300 for a key that has the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. The majority of modern cars have keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is close to the receiver.