How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without overpaying at the dealership.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site using a key-cutting machine. It's about 20 percent less than purchasing from a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars have key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. However they also come with costs. In some instances, the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are ways to lower the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to have a spare vehicle key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of an appointment with a locksmith or towing costs.
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 created to combat the rising number of car thefts. The car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring around the ignition cylinder reads the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't require constant power to function. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require the spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys for your specific car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. They can do this because they take advantage of a "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 inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which can only be completed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This process can cost as much as $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best method to save money on key cutting costs is by avoiding the need to replace your keys 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 hardware or box store retailer, based on the key type.
Most people don't know that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. The benefit of buying an original key is that it will have the correct transponder chip. This is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key without having it professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, so they can only provide basic key duplication services. You can also visit a locksmith, independent auto repair shop or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're thinking of buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be accomplished by looking at the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or cutout that shows evidence of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be bought, but it is not a viable option for everyone. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you'll have to cut a lot of keys to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, a hand file is an option that is more affordable. This isn't the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.
Key Fobs with keys
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the car and even start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. These are a great convenience for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.
Unlike traditional keys, which require a great locksmith, dealer in automotive, or any other specialist service provider to make, key fobs contain sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to make than their standard counterparts. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and this can add up in price.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed with ease (though some require two current, working keys to accomplish this).
Key fobs for standard keys are cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't have an embedded chip that has to be reprogrammed following the fact. They can still be expensive to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template to make them again however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing an entire key set from your dealer for your car.
You can also reduce your key cutting expenses by purchasing a new case to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. see are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when 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 downside to these types of keys is that they frequently consume battery power which makes it difficult to use them for a long period of time. Additionally, they are difficult to program, based on the make and model. A lot of key fobs can be replaced with new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll typically find them for significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually affordable and vary from $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local hardware store or box retailer store. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser cut, sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine found in the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key with a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires an appointment with a dealer to have the replacement coded. They are also known as smart or transponder keys, and they have electronics inside that must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers will charge between $150-$300 for a key that includes the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in the key fob fails it could be expensive to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in most modern cars. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.