How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is not an ideal idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring a current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using the key cut ting machine on site. It's about 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide security and convenience for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at an expense. In some instances it could be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are options to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (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 developed in response to rising levels of theft from cars. The car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and when it matches the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal since most thieves hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips used in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be identified by special receivers in the ignition key's cylinder, or on the head itself.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if in need of an extra key for a vehicle with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys for your particular car model and make. This is a fantastic alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to remember that stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they usually cost more than locksmiths. They do this because they profit from a "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be done by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.
The most effective way to save on car key cut ting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. It is crucial to have a spare car key in the event that the original one is lost. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key at the hardware store or at a box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. The benefit of buying an original key is that it's likely to have the proper transponder chip. This is important, as you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key They can only offer basic duplication services. You can go to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to have 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. This can be done by checking the blade of the key for chips or the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand-files are a more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronics or even cut the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. They are tiny transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle via radio waves. These are great features for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. They also need to be programmed to work with your car and this can increase the cost.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost you up to $300 to have a new original fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have an appropriate key fob for the car model you have. Some of these key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, many of them can be programmed by the user.
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than the more sophisticated models to replace since they don't come with an embedded chip that needs to be programmed after the fact. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to design templates to replace a damaged or lost key it is lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.
Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to simply purchase an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are an affordable solution to upgrade your keychain without the need to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. They can even assist you to open your trunk and hatch in the event that they have this feature built in.
The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to consume battery power, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, based on the vehicle's make and model. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available at a lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as low as $10 to $15. You may also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain store. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on its shank. They must be programmed using a special machine in a locksmith or dealership.
A key with chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to get the replacement code. Keys with chips are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start engines. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could cost you to replace them. Keyless entry keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They work by sending an electronic message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.