How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts that you need to replace your car key without paying dealership costs.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. It's typically 20% less than buying from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs that provide convenience and security to car owners. These devices are not free. In some instances it can be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to reduce the costs of these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of an appointment with 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 cars since the mid-1990s. The technology was created to counter the growing number of car thefts. Transponders in cars transmit the secret code through a signal. When places to get keys cut near me is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder detects this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is an important thing because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips in computers and cell phones. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to operate. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that can be recognized by special receivers that are placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
If you need to have an extra car key made for a car equipped with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to match the model and make of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to visiting a dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming option. However, they usually charge significantly higher than a locksmith. They can do this because they profit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which pair to the vehicle whenever the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and perhaps labor charges.
The best method to save money on key cost is to avoid the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for between $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car keys They can only provide basic duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're considering buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the blade of the key for chip or an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key.
A key duplication device can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for the majority of 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 comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a much more affordable option. However, this isn't the most secure method as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or break the key off in the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle and can increase the cost.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a brand new fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can reduce the cost of a replacement fob to just $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by a dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with ease (though some may require two working keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to create an original template for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than buying a 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 shells that replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
Car key fobs offer many advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. If they have this feature built-in they will assist you to open your hatch and trunk.
The disadvantage of these types of keys is that they often drain the battery, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, depending on the make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching online or at your local hardware store.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually low, and can range from $10 to $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. They are usually laser-cut and may be 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 by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to get the replacement code. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob as well as a transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside your key fob goes out it could be expensive to replace the keys. Many modern cars come with keys that function by sending a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is close to the receiver.