How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
The loss of your car keys is never an ideal option. AutoZone provides the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car keys without having to pay dealership prices.
Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours of the site with a key-cutting machine. On average, this is 20% less than buying through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder Chips
Modern cars are equipped with key fobs that provide security and convenience for car owners. However, these devices come with costs. In certain instances the cost of replacing a key fob that has been damaged or lost can be high. The good news is that there are methods to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is much cheaper to have a spare vehicle key now instead of waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been in use in the majority of cars since the mid-1990s. This technology was designed to stop the increasing number of car thefts. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is put in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it and reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will start. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive away.
Transponder chips work in a similar way to the microchips found in cell phones and computers. They don't require constant power. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency that can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.
If you're looking to get a spare car key created for a vehicle equipped with a transponder chip We highly recommend you visit your local locksmith. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to make new keys for your specific car model and make. This is an excellent alternative to driving to the dealership.
It's also important to note that stores such as AutoZone offer a key-programming service. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they can profit from the "scaling" effect which occurs when the number of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to the consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are paired to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which must be done by an auto locksmith or a dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for the new key, reprogramming the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.
The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not have them in the first place. This means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key from the hardware store or at a box store for around $25-$50, based on the kind of key.
Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. The advantage of buying an original key is that it will come with the proper transponder chip. This is important, as you cannot use an aftermarket car key without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of box shops and hardware stores do not have the equipment to program modern car keys and therefore, they are unable to offer basic duplication services. You can take them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop or a locksmith shop to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price on the internet, ensure that it's not programmed for another vehicle. This can be accomplished by examining the blade of the key to determine if there's an embedded chip or a cutout that shows signs of an old key.
A key duplication machine is an alternative, but it won't be affordable for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If car keys cut don't feel comfortable using a vice, hand files are an option that is more affordable. However, it's not the most secure method as it may damage the key's electronics or even break the key in the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle via radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.
In contrast to traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or any other specialist service provider to design keys, key fobs are equipped with sophisticated electronics and are therefore more expensive to manufacture than the standard keys. Fobs also require programming to work with your vehicle, which can also add cost.
If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a new fob and key from the dealer. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob down to as little as $50 if you buy it on the internet. Search for an appropriate key fob for your car's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Some of these fobs may need to be laser-cut by locksmiths or programmed by a local dealer, but many can be customer-programmed easily (though some will require two working keys for this).
Key fobs from the standard model can be replaced for less than more advanced models since they do not contain an embedded chip that needs to be reprogrammed. They can be costly to duplicate if you've a lost or damaged key and need a template to reproduce them, but they are much cheaper than the expense of replacing the entire key set purchased from your dealer for your car.
Another method to reduce your key cutting costs is to simply purchase a new case for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that will replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. These shells are an affordable solution to updating your keychain without having to make an appointment with the dealer.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to look for your keys. This is especially useful when you are carrying heavy groceries or other items in your hands. They can even assist you to open your hatch and trunk, in the event that they have this feature built-in.
These keys aren't ideal for long-term use since they drain the battery. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might 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 look online or visit your local hardware store, you can typically find them for a much lower price than the dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, duplication costs can be as just $10 to $15. You can also buy a replacement key at your local hardware or box retailer store. However replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encryption could be costly. These keys are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a thicker shank and less carved-out grooves on the key's blade, and they have to be programmed using a specific machine at the locksmith shop or dealership.
A key that has a chip can be quite expensive to replace and usually requires the visit to a dealership to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as smart keys or transponder keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they are able to open doors or start your engine. A dealer will often charge between $150 and $300 for a new key that has both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
If you lose the keys to your keyless entry system or if the battery inside your key fob goes out, it can be costly to replace them. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by sending a 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.