How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
Losing your car keys is never a good idea. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and parts to replace your key without having to pay a dealership.
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. This costs on average 20 percent less than buying from an agent.
Keys with Transponder chips
Many modern cars have key fobs that offer security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they also come with an expense. In some cases it could be high to replace a damaged or lost key fob. The good news is that there are options to cut the costs associated with these devices. It is cheaper to order an extra key now rather instead of waiting until you lose your car keys and then pay for a locksmith or towing charges.
The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed as a response to the rising rate of theft from cars. A car transponder transmits a secret code via a signal. When the key is inserted into ignition, the antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder receives this signal and if it matches with the password, the engine is started. This is important because most thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and then drive off.
Transponder chips operate on a similar principle to the microchips in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. They emit a low frequency electromagnetic signal which can be identified by special detectors on the ignition cylinder as well as the key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you require a spare key for a vehicle with a transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a tool to create new keys for your particular car model and make. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.
Also, it's important to remember that stores like AutoZone provide a key-programming service. They often charge much more than professional locksmiths. This is due to the fact that they can profit from the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to the consumer.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys come with transponders or chips which are linked to the car when the key is turned in the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional car keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be done by a dealership, auto locksmith or the vehicle's manufacturer. This procedure can cost as much as $500 for new keys, the changing of the immobilizer's programming, and possibly, labor costs.
The best method to cut down on key cutting costs is by avoiding the necessity of replacing your keys in the first place. It is important to have an extra car key in case the original key is lost. You can purchase another key for between $25-$50 at the hardware store or a box store, depending on the key type.
Many people are unaware that they can buy keys replacement online or at a an affordable price from the manufacturer. The advantage of purchasing a factory key is that it will likely have the right transponder chip. This is vital, as you won't be able to use a car key that is aftermarket unless it's been professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware stores and box stores do not have the technology to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also go to an independent locksmith, auto repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.
Another thing to consider is that if you're considering buying a cheap key from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to another vehicle. This can be done by checking the key blade for chips or a cutout that shows signs of an earlier key.
Purchasing cost to cut car key is another option however it's not affordable for the majority of people. The equipment typically costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need to cut many keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, a hand file is an option that is more affordable. However, this isn't the most secure method as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even cut the key off inside the lock.
Keys with Key Fobs
Modern automobiles are equipped with remote controls that lock and unlock the vehicle, and start the motor. These are essentially miniature remote transmitters that communicate with the computer in your vehicle via radio waves to transmit commands. They're a great convenience for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are equipped with sophisticated electronics. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too.
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 cut the cost of the new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it on the internet. Search for the right key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts store. Certain key fobs must be programmed or laser-cut by the local dealer. However, a lot of them can be programmed by the customer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for less than more sophisticated models since they do not have an embedded chip which must be reprogrammed. They can be costly to copy if you have a lost or damaged key and require a template to make them again but they're much more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from the dealer for your car.
Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is to simply purchase a new shell for your current key fob. Batteries Plus offers a selection of new shells that replace the plastic exterior and buttons on your keychain, while leaving the electronics inside unchanged. They're an affordable way to refresh your keychain and save you the hassle of having to make an appointment at the dealership.
Keys for Keyless Entry
The car key fob has 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 weights in your hands. If they've got this feature built in they will assist you to open the trunk and hatch.
These keys are not ideal for long-term usage because they drain batteries. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Many key fobs are easily replaceable with new ones purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than the dealer-supplied version when you search at the internet or go to the local hardware store.
If you own an ordinary key, duplicate costs are usually affordable and range from $10 to $15. You can also buy keys to replace them at your local box retailer or hardware store. Newer keys that require specialized coding typically cost more to replace, however. They are usually laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. They have a larger shank and less carved-out grooves on the blade of the key, and they have to be programmed with a specific machine that is found at a locksmith shop or dealer.
It can be costly to replace a key that has a microchip and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to obtain the replacement code. These keys are often referred to as transponder or smart keys and they have electronics inside which must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer typically charges between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that has both the key fob as well as the transponder chip.
Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace in the event that you lose them or your key fob battery dies. Keyless entry keys can be found in the majority of modern automobiles. They function by transmitting a message from the key fob into a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car based on the signal. It will also open the hatch and trunk when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.