How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't an ideal option. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without paying dealership cost.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using an on-site key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer security and ease to the car owner. However they also come with a cost. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost could be costly. There are ways to cut down on the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing costs.
replacement car key cutting (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. In essence, the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around it detects the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal that can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you need a spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to program new keys to match the make and model of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to visiting the dealership.
Also, it's important to remember that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they often cost more than locksmiths. They do this because they take advantage of an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In other words, they can transfer their savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps costs for labor.
The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a hardware or box store shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a a discounted price from the manufacturer. A factory key will likely have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll have to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. You can do this by checking the blade of the key for chips or an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key.
A key duplication machine can be bought, but it is not an option for the majority of people. The machine costs more than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, hand-files are a more affordable alternative. It's not the best option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern cars come with key fobs that function as remote controls to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are great features for drivers, but they are costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer, or a different specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than the standard keys. Fobs also need to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which can add up in cost as well.
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 a new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs must be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed following the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create an original template for a lost or damaged key it is less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.
Another option to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new case for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to locate your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery, making it hard to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can typically find them for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They must be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer typically charges between $150 and $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.