How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without paying a dealership's high prices.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. motorcycle key cutting costs on average 20 percent less than buying from dealers.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs which provide a level of security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are ways to cut down on the expense of these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and need to pay a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a vital component of most automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches with the password, the engine will start. This is significant since most thieves use hot wires to start it and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to microchips used in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need the spare key for a car equipped with transponder. Many locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys to match the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They often charge much more than a professional locksmith. This is because they can profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold increases. In other words, they are able to pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they need programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost up to $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The best way to cut down on the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box shop, based on the key type.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is essential because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or the dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're considering buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. You can do this by checking the key blade to find a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of an earlier key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is another option, but it won't be cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not sure about that, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. This is not the safest option as it could damage the key's electronic components or break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. These are great features for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a professional locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than the standard keys. They also require to be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by purchasing it online. Search for a key fob for your vehicle's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace because they don't come with an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. Although 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 key from your car dealer.
You can also reduce your key cutting expenses 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. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain, and save you the hassle of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. If they have this feature built-in they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, many key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available at a much lower cost than a dealer-supplied option, if you look on the internet or visit your local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually affordable and range from $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
A key with chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob as well as a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending messages from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.