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 key without overpaying at the dealership.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this costs 20% less than buying through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that offer a level of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. These devices are not free. In some instances the cost of replacing the key fob that is damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today instead of waiting until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a vital component of most automobiles. Its name comes from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of car theft. In essence, a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain a secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition, an antenna ring that is placed around the ignition cylinder reads this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine starts. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips operate on the same basis as microchips in computers and cell phones. They don't 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 the key head.
If you need to have a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Most locksmiths will have a tool that can program new keys to match the make and model of your vehicle. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It is also important to know that some stores such as AutoZone provide key programming services. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. This is because they can take advantage of the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold rises. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be completed by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and the possibility of labor costs.
The most effective way to save on car key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is essential to have a spare car key in the event that the original is lost. 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 buy replacement keys online at reduced prices from the manufacturer. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. key cutting price is essential because you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, so they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop, or dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're planning on buying a key at a bargain price from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if there's a chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a much cheaper alternative. This isn't the most secure option because it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern cars come with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and even start the motor. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronic components. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your vehicle, which can also add up in price.
A new fob and key could cost as much as $300 if you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to only $50 by buying it online. Look for the right key fob that matches your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these keys may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but a lot are programmable by customers with relative ease (though some require two working, current keys for this).
Standard key fobs can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models due to the fact that they don't contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate in the event that 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 your car dealer.
Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is by simply buying a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your keychain, but leaving the inside electronics unaltered. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob comes with many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without the need to hunt for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you are carrying large quantities of groceries or other items in your hands. If they have this feature built-in they will help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use because they drain batteries. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on the vehicle's model and make. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These are usually available for much cheaper than dealer-supplied options, if you look online or at your local hardware store.
If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low, and can range from $10 to $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. Newer keys that require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. Keys that are laser-cut, often called sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a more robust blade and less grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It can be costly to replace a key with microchips and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer to get the replacement code. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics which must be validated by your car before it will open any doors or start the engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 to $300 for a new key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keyless entry keys or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by transmitting 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 when the key is close to the receiver.