How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your key without having to pay the dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. However, these devices come with an expense. In certain instances it can be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are methods to lower the costs of these devices. It is cheaper to order a spare key now instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and need to pay the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been a key component of most cars. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is an important thing since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to start it, and then take off.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a vehicle with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys for the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some stores, like AutoZone offer a key programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their cost savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys because they require programming that is only performed by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.
The best way to reduce cost of replacing car keys is to not have them 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-$50 at a hardware or box store retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online at a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you cannot use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores 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 visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if it has a chip, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand files are a more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure method as it could damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are basically miniature remote transmitters that connect to your vehicle's onboard computer through radio waves to transmit commands. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or other specialty service provider to make, key fobs contain advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also increase the cost.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Find an appropriate key fob for your car'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, many can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. They are still expensive to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template to make them again but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from your car's dealer.
Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for 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 unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the hassle of having to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt for your keys. This is particularly useful when you are carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature built in they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they tend to drain the battery, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Additionally, visit your url are difficult to program, depending on the model and make. Key fobs are often replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can often find them at a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key, the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You might also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. Keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut and may be referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a thicker shank, and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed using a specific machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership.
It is costly to replace a key using microchips and it is often required to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a new original key that has both the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery dies. These keys are 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 then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.