How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is not a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than buying through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. However they come at an expense. In certain instances it could be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip has been an integral part of the majority of automobiles. The name derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed in response to rising levels of theft from cars. The car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and when it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important as most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive away.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they send an electromagnetic signal of low frequency which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
If you're looking to get an extra car key made for a car equipped with a transponder chip We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys for your particular vehicle model and. This is a great alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they typically cost significantly more than locksmiths. They do this because they can take advantage of a "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In other words, they are able to transfer their cost savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for a new key, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy another key for between $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. key cut place -issued key will likely have the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for most people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice hand-files are an option that is more affordable. This isn't the most secure option as it could harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car, and also start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to send commands. These are great features for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle, which can also add up in price.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto parts shop might have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers easily (though some will require two working keys to do this).
Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and need a template to make them again, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from your dealer for your car.
Another way to cut your key cutting costs is to purchase an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob and leave the electronics inside unchanged. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially useful when you have large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built-in they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Key fobs are often replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or in your local hardware store, you can typically find them for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually low, and can vary between $10 and $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that are newer and require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, but. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and have less grooves carved out on the blade and must be programmed using a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop.
It is costly to replace a key with microchips and it is often required to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that must be verified before they can open doors or start engines. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob and the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob is dead. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.
