How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys isn't an ideal idea. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership costs.
Simply bring a current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than buying from dealers.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs which provide security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with a cost. In certain instances it could be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are options to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key today than wait until you lose your car key and then pay for locksmith services or towing costs.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to counter the growing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is crucial because the majority of thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. They do not require constant power. They emit a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys to the specific make and model of your car. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
It's also important to note that some shops, such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. However, they typically charge significantly more than a locksmith. They achieve this because they take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with chips or transponders which are connected with the vehicle when the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or a dealership. The process could cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, programming of the immobilizer and possible labor charges.
The most effective method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at a hardware or box store store, depending on the key type.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. A factory-issued key is likely to have the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you will not be able make use of an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.
If you're planning to purchase a cheap key online, make sure it hasn't been programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or a cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be bought, but it is not a viable option for most people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys and you'll need cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not sure about this, a vice and hand file are a much more affordable alternative. However, this isn't the safest method because it may harm the electronics of the key or even cut the key off in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to produce than the standard keys. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car and can add up in price.
A new fob and key can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Look for an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, many of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more advanced models because they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. However, they can be costly to duplicate if you have to create templates for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new key from your car dealer.
Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, when they've got this feature built-in.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's model and make. Key fobs are often repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you can often find them at less than dealer-supplied options.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are typically very affordable and range between $10 and $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local box retailer or hardware store. Newer keys that require specialized encryption typically cost more to replace, however. These keys are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and typically requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They contain electronic components that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob and a new transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace them. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting an electronic message from the key fob to the car's receiver. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.