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 having to pay the dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than buying through a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide convenience and security to car owners. These devices aren't free. In certain instances, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and you are confronted with the expense of a locksmith's visit or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a vital component of the majority of automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits an encrypted signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, if it matches the password, the engine starts. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips operate in a similar way to the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't require constant power to operate. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors placed on the ignition cylinder and key head.
If you need to have a spare car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths have a device to make new keys for your particular car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they usually cost significantly more than a locksmith. They can do this because they can benefit from 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 are equipped with transponders or chips which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is placed in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which must be performed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, as well as reprogramming the immobilizer and perhaps the cost of labor.
The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. It is crucial to have an extra car key in the event that the original key is lost. You can purchase another key for between $25 to $50 at the hardware store or a box retailer, based on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will most likely have the correct transponder. This is important, as you cannot use an aftermarket car key unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the tools needed to program modern-day car keys, so they can only 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 on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. You can do this by checking the key blade to find chips or an open cutout that has evidence of the previous key.
A key duplication machine is another option however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease with a vice a hand file is an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the most secure method as it may harm the electronics of the key or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs, which are remote controls to lock and unlock your car and even start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. These are great features for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs have advanced electronics, making them more expensive to produce than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in costs 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 reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if purchasing it online. Search for a key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be programmed by the customer with relative ease (though some will require two working keys to accomplish this).
Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't come with an embedded chip that requires to be programmed after the fact. Although they can be costly to duplicate if you need to create a template for a damaged or lost key, the cost is much less than purchasing a new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new case to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without the need to hunt 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 built-in, they can help you open your hatch and trunk.
These keys aren't recommended for long-term use because they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, a lot of key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you'll often find these for less than the dealer-supplied alternatives.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very affordable and vary between $10 and $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption can be expensive. They are usually laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They must be programmed by a specific machine found in a locksmith dealership.
A key that has chip could be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They are equipped with electronics that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. get car key cut will charge between $150-$300 for a key that has the key fob and the transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in your key fob dies it could be expensive to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending messages from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks itself according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.