How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never a good idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without paying dealership costs.
Bring motorcycle key cutting that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from an agent.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. They are not free. In certain instances it could be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase an extra key today 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 all automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to combat the rising number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When cost to get a key cut is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they transmit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that is identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need an extra key for your vehicle that has transponder. Most locksmiths have a device to program new keys to match your car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. They can do this because they can benefit from the "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 transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is put into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith or your vehicle's manufacturer. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly the cost of labor.
The most effective way to save on car key cost is to avoid the need to replace your keys in the first place. replacement car key cutting means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for between $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase an inexpensive key online, make sure that it's not programmed for the vehicle of someone else. You can do this by checking the blade of the key for a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of a previous key.
The purchase of a key duplication device is an alternative however it's not affordable for most people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. This isn't the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key 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 even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can increase the costs as well.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealership made. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Find a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard are less expensive than more advanced models to replace because they don't have an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can be costly to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and need a template to duplicate them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set from your dealer for your car.
You can also cut down on 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 outer plastic and buttons on your key fob but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, particularly when you're carrying groceries or other heavy loads in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality integrated into them.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain the battery. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's make and model. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching online or at the local hardware store.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually low and vary from $10 to $15. You may also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. These keys are typically laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed using a special machine at a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key with a chip can be quite costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that must be validated before they are able to open doors or start your engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Most modern cars have keys that function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.