How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring your current working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using the key cutting machine on site. It's about 20% less than buying from an agent.
car keys cutting and programming that have Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and convenience to owners. These devices aren't free. In some cases, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for a locksmith's visit or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. In essence, the car transponder chip emits an electronic signal that has a secret password. When the key is placed in the ignition, the antenna ring around it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply hot wire the vehicle to get it started and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips used in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
If you need to have a spare car key made for a car with a transponder chip, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool that can program new keys for the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone provide a key-programming service. However, they typically cost significantly more than locksmiths. They achieve this because they take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.
The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase another key for between $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware shop, based on the type of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The benefit of buying a factory key is that it's likely to come with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial, since you won't be able to use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to provide basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop 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 someone else's car. This can be done by looking at the key blade for a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is an alternative however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. But, it's not the most secure method as it could damage the key's electronics or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate if you lose one.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to make keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. Key fobs must also be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which can increase the cost as well.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have a key fob that fits your car model. Some of these key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the dealer in your area. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more sophisticated models since they do not contain an embedded chip that requires reprogramming. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create a template for a lost or damaged key it is lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from a car dealer.
Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, while leaving the electronics inside unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many benefits. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you have large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they've got this feature they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they can drain your battery. Additionally, they can be difficult to program, based on the model and make. Many key fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party vendors like Pop-A Lock. They are often available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, if you look on the internet or visit the local hardware store.
If you own a standard key, duplication costs are usually affordable and vary from $10 to $15. You can also purchase a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. They are usually laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they must be programmed using a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
It is costly to replace a key that has microchips and it is often necessary to visit a dealer to have the replacement coded. Keys with chips are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they can open doors or start engines. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery inside the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace them. These keys are found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car according to the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.