How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys isn't a good idea. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.
Bring Read Much more working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key-cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.
Keys that have Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs which provide security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However, these devices come with an expense. In certain instances it can be high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. There are ways to cut down on the costs of these devices. It's cheaper to buy an extra key now rather than to wait until you lose your car keys and have to pay for the locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of all automobiles. key cutting car derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was designed to counter the growing number of car thefts. The basic idea behind the chip in a car transponder transmits an electronic signal that has an encrypted password. When the key is placed in the ignition the antenna will ring around it reads the signal. If the signal is in line with the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle before driving away.
Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found 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 placed on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
If you need to have an extra car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips We strongly suggest that you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to match the model and make of the vehicle you own. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they usually charge significantly more than a locksmith. They do this because they benefit from the "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys because they require programming that is only completed by a dealership auto locksmith, or your vehicle's manufacturer. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer and possibly the cost of labor.
The best way to avoid car key replacement costs is to not need them in the first place. That means having an extra key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at a hardware store or box store for around $25 to $50, depending on the type of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a reduced price. The advantage of purchasing an original key is that it will likely have the right transponder chip. This is important since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the technology necessary to program modern car key They can only provide basic duplication services. You can also go to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
If you plan to buy a key for a low price online, make sure it's not programmed to someone else's vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if it has an embedded chip or a cutout that shows the signs of an old key.
Purchasing a key duplication machine is a different option however, it's not affordable for the majority of people. The machine usually costs more than the blank keys themselves, and you'll have to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice or hand file are a cheaper alternative. But, it's not the most secure method as it could harm the electronics of the key or break the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. They are tiny transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they can be costly to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs also require programming to work with your car and can add cost.
A new key and fob can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to just $50 by buying it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts shop may have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these key fobs will need to be laser-cut or programmed by the local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard 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 be costly to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing an entire key set from the car's dealer.
Another way to cut the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of new shells that replace the outer plastic and buttons on your key fob, but leaving the inside electronics unchanged. These shells are a cost-effective option to updating your keychain without making an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
Car key fobs come with numerous advantages. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you're carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they've got this feature built-in, they can help you open your trunk and hatch.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use since they drain batteries. Additionally, they are difficult to program, depending on your vehicle's make and model. Many key fobs are easily replaced with new ones from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you look online or visit your local hardware store, you can often find these for less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard key, duplication costs can be as low as $10 to $15. You might also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. They are usually laser-cut and sometimes called sidewinder keys or high security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on its shank. They have to be programmed by a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.
A key with chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to obtain a replacement code. These are commonly called transponder keys or smart keys, and they come with electronic components which must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150-$300 for a key that comes with the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry may also be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. The majority of modern cars have keys that function by sending a signal from your key fob to a device in your car. The car then locks or unlocks in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.