How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is not an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring your current working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match its contours by using an on-site key cutting machine. It's typically 20 percent less than purchasing from an agent.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that offer an element of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. These devices aren't free. In some cases, the cost of replacing a key fob which has been damaged or lost could be costly. The good news is that there are ways to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key today than to wait until you lose your car key and have to pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which takes its name from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to counter the growing number of car thefts. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is inserted in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves simply wire the vehicle before driving off.
Transponder chips function on the same basis as microchips found in cell phones and computers. The distinction is that they don't need constant power to work. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you need the spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys to match your vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to taking your car to the dealership.
It's also important to remember that some shops, such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. However, they typically cost more than locksmiths. They achieve this because they take advantage of the "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold rises. In this way, they could pass on their costs savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that pair with the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that is only done by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. This procedure can cost up to $500 for a new key, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly, labor costs.
The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. It is crucial to have an extra car key in case the original key is lost. You can buy a duplicate key from a hardware store or box store for about $25-$50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying an original key is that it's likely to have the right transponder chip. This is important, as you will not be able use an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
Most hardware stores and box stores don't have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to a dealer, an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.
Another thing to take into consideration is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to a vehicle belonging to someone else. This can be done by looking at the blade of the key to determine if it has chips or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication device can be bought, but it is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut a lot of keys to make a profit. If you don't feel at ease using a vice, hand files are an alternative that is less expensive. It's not the best alternative as it can damage the key's electronic components or even break the key in the lock.
Key Fobs with Keys
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that can lock and unlock the vehicle, and also start the motor. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to send commands. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if lost.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to have a new original key and fob from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Find a key fob for your car's model at Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Some of these fobs might require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by your local dealer, but a lot can be customer-programmed with relative ease (though some require two working, current keys to accomplish this).
Standard key fobs can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. Additional Info can be costly to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and require a template to duplicate them however, they are cheaper than the expense of replacing a complete key set purchased from your dealer in your vehicle.
Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is to purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronic components intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to upgrade your keychain without making an appointment with a dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs have many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially if you're carrying groceries or other heavy items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature they will help you open the trunk and hatch.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they often drain the battery, making it hard to use them for long periods of time. Furthermore, they can be difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search on the internet or at your local hardware store, you can typically find them for less than dealer-supplied options.
If you have an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually very affordable and range from $10 to $15. You can also purchase an additional key from your local box retailer or hardware store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. They are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, or high security keys. They feature a more robust shank, and less carved-out grooves on the blade and must be programmed with a specific machine at a locksmith shop or dealer.
It can be costly to replace a key that has microchips and it is usually necessary to visit a dealer in order to get the replacement code. These keys are also known as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that must be validated before they are able to open doors or start your engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a new original key that comes with the key fob and a new transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery in your key fob goes out it could cost you to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys are available in most modern cars. They work by sending a message from the key fob to an internal receiver in your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.