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 key without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. They are not free. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been lost or damaged is high. The good news is that there are options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare vehicle key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been an integral part of all automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to counter the growing number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine is started. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive off.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips used in computers and cell phones. They don't require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
If you need to have a spare car key created for a car with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to match the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they usually charge significantly higher than a locksmith. They do this because they can take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the 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. They are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be completed by a dealership auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost as high as $500 for a new key, the programming of the immobilizer and the possibility of labor costs.
car key cutting and programming to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy an additional key for $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at reduced prices from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying the factory key is that it's likely to be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can go to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure it's not programmed to the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by checking the blade of the key for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option, but it won't be affordable for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not comfortable with that, a vice and hand file are a cheaper alternative. However, it's not the safest method because it could harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle and this can increase the cost.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to only $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for a key fob that matches your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with ease (though some will require two working keys to do this).
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that requires to be reprogrammed following the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you have to create an original template to replace a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than buying a 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 existing 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 unchanged. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature built-in.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than dealer-supplied options, if you look online or at the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local box retailer or hardware store. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. Keys that are laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys 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 using a specific machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.
It is costly to replace a key using a microchip and it is usually necessary to visit the dealer to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that has both the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. Keyless entry keys can be found in most modern cars. They function by transmitting messages from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.
