How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good thing to lose your car keys. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you require to replace your car key without having to pay dealership prices.
Simply bring a working key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours using the key cutting machine on site. On average, this costs 20% less than going through the dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Many modern vehicles have key fobs that provide security and comfort to the car owner. They are not free. In some cases, it can be quite expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to get a spare car key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and you are faced with paying for an appointment with a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s, the transponder chip has been a key component of all cars. Its name is derived from "transmitter and responder". This technology was developed to counter the growing number of car thefts. key cut place transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted in the ignition, the antenna ring around it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will start. This is an important thing because most thieves simply use hot wires to start it, and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips work on the same principle as the microchips found in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder and the key head.
If you're looking to get an extra car key made for a vehicle equipped with transponder chips, we highly recommend that you visit your local locksmith. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is an excellent alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than professional locksmiths. This is because they can benefit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. In this way, they could transfer their savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have chips or transponders that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys because they require programming, which can only be performed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost as high as $500 for an entirely new key, reprogramming of the immobilizer, and the possibility of labor costs.
The best way to avoid the expense of replacing your car keys is to not have them in the first place. It is essential to have an extra car key in the event that the original is lost. You can purchase a duplicate key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware store, depending on the key type.
Most people don't know that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discounted price. A factory-issued key is likely to contain the correct transponder. This is important because you won't be in a position 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 go to an independent locksmith, a repair shop or dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're thinking of buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by checking the key blade to determine if it has an embedded chip, or a cutout showing signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative, but it won't be affordable for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not at ease with a vice hand files are a more affordable alternative. But, it's not the most secure option as it may harm the electronics of the key or break the key off 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 start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle through radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a great locksmith, dealer in automotive, or other specialty service provider to make, key fobs contain sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than their standard counterparts. Fobs also need to be programmed before they work with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too.
If you lose your only functioning fob, it could cost upwards of $300 to get a replacement original fob and key from the dealership made. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Find an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models since they do not have an embedded chip which requires reprogramming. However, they can be costly to duplicate in the event that you need to create a template for a lost or damaged key, the cost is much lower than purchasing a brand new set of keys from a car dealer.
You can also lower your cost of cutting keys by purchasing a new shell to replace your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, yet leave the electronics intact. These shells are a cost-effective solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to look for your keys. This is particularly useful when you are carrying large amounts of groceries or other things in your hands. If they've got this feature built in they will assist you to open your trunk and hatch.
These keys are not ideal for long-term use because they drain the battery. Depending on mobile key cutting and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. A lot of key fobs can be replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you will often find them at significantly less than the dealer-supplied options.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are typically very low, and can range between $10 and $15. You might also be able to buy a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. Keys that are laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They feature a more robust shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they must be programmed with a specific machine that is found at a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key that has chip could be costly to replace and often requires a trip to the dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are often referred to as smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that must be validated by your car before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a new original key that includes both the key fob and an updated transponder chip.
Keys that have keyless entry could also be expensive to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. Most modern cars have these keys, which work by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the hatch and trunk if the key is within close proximity to the receiver.