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 the parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Bring a working key to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site using a key-cutting machine. It's about 20% less than purchasing through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that provide security and convenience 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 options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It's much less expensive to get a spare car key today, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are faced with paying for the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most automobiles since the mid 1990s. The technology was created to stop the increasing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the antenna ring around the ignition cylinder receives the signal and, when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is a big deal because the majority of thieves simply connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then leave the scene.
Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they send a low-frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special receivers in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
We recommend visiting your local locksmith if you require an extra key for a vehicle with transponder. 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 visiting the dealership.
It's also important to note that some stores such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. They usually charge more than a professional locksmith. They can do this because they take advantage of an "scaling effect" that occurs when the amount of units sold rises. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys have transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is put in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be completed by a dealership or auto locksmith. The process can cost anywhere from to $500 for a new key, reprogramming the immobilizer and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to reduce the expense of replacing your car keys is to not need them in the first place. This means you should have a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, based on the kind of key.
mobile key cutting don't realize that they can buy replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a reduced price. A factory-issued key will likely contain the correct transponder. This is crucial, since you won't be able to make use of an aftermarket car key unless it has been professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car key and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can also go to a locksmith, independent auto repair shop, or dealer to have them replaced.
Another thing to think about is that if you're planning on buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll have to ensure that it's not 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 an embedded chip, or a cutout showing the signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine can be purchased, but it isn't an option for most people. The cost of the machine is higher than blank keys, so you'll need to cut many keys to break even. If you're not happy with this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable alternative. It's not the best alternative as it can harm the electronic components of the key or even break the key inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and also to start the engine. These are basically mini remote transmitters that connect to the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves to transmit commands. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace if they are lost.
Contrary to traditional keys that require a professional 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 standard counterparts. They also need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and can increase the cost.
A new key and fob could cost as much as $300 in the event that you lose your sole functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can reduce the cost of an entirely new fob by as much as 50% if you buy it on the internet. Look for a key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may require laser cutting by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed easily (though some may require two current, working keys for 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. They are still expensive to duplicate if you've got a lost or damaged key and require a template duplicate them however, they are more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set purchased from your car's dealer.
Another way to cut your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace your key fob's outer plastic and buttons, but leave the electronic components intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob has many advantages. They let you lock and unlock your car without having to find your keys, especially if you're carrying heavy groceries or other loads in your hands. They can also help you open your trunk and hatch, if they have this functionality built in.
The drawback to these kinds of keys is that they frequently drain the battery which makes it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs are reprogrammable with replacements purchased from third-party suppliers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version by searching online or at your local hardware store.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as low as $10-$15. You might also be able purchase a replacement at your local hardware store or box chain retailer. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, but. Keys that are laser cut, sometimes referred to as sidewinder or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they must be programmed with a specific machine found in a dealership or locksmith shop.
A key with chips can be expensive to replace and usually requires a trip to the dealership to get the replacement code. They are also known as transponder keys or smart keys, and they have electronics inside that need to be verified by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that includes the key fob, as well as transponder chips.
Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or the battery of your key fob fails. These keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They function by sending an electronic message from the key fob into the car's receiver. The car then locks or unlocks according to the signal and opens the trunk and hatch if the key is close to the receiver.