How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost
It's never a good idea to lose your car keys. Fortunately, AutoZone has the technology and the parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.
Simply bring a working key to an AutoZone location and an associate will match the contours by using a key cutting machine onsite. On average, this is 20% less than going through a dealer.
Keys with Transponder chips
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs which provide a level of security and comfort for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at an expense. In some cases, it can be quite expensive to replace a damaged or lost key fob. There are methods to lower the cost of these devices. It's cheaper to have a spare car key made now, rather than waiting until you lose the key and are facing the cost of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.
Since the mid-1990s the transponder chip had been a vital component of most cars. car key cutting price derives from "transmitter and responder". This technology was created in response to the increasing rate of vehicle theft. The basic idea behind a car transponder chip transmits signals that contain the secret password. When the key is put in the ignition the antenna will ring around it detects the signal. If the signal matches the password, the engine will begin. This is significant since most thieves connect a hot wire to the vehicle to start it and then drive off.
Transponder chips work on a similar principle to the microchips used in computers and cell phones. They do not require constant power. They transmit a low frequency electromagnetic signal that is detected by special detectors that are placed on the ignition cylinder as well as key head.
We suggest visiting your local locksmith if you need an extra key for a vehicle with transponder. Many locksmiths have a system to make new keys for your particular vehicle model and make. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership.
Also, it's important to know that some stores like AutoZone offer a key-programming service. However, they often cost higher than a locksmith. They do this because they take advantage of an "scaling effect" that occurs when the number units sold increases. They can then pass the savings to consumers.
Keys with Electronics
Modern keys are equipped with chips or transponders which connect to the vehicle whenever the key is inserted in the ignition. They are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming that can only be performed by a dealership, auto locksmith, or your manufacturer of your vehicle. The process could cost as high as $500 for new keys, the reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possible labor charges.
The best way to reduce car key replacement costs is to not have them in the first place. That means having a spare key in the event that you lose the original. You can purchase a cheap duplicate key from an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.
Many people don't realize that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online or at a discount. A factory key will most likely contain the correct transponder. This is vital, as you will not be able use a car key that is aftermarket without having it professionally programmed.
The majority of hardware and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can also visit an independent locksmith, a repair shop or the dealer to get them replaced.
If you are planning to purchase a key for a low price online, make sure that it's not programmed for someone else's vehicle. This can be done by looking at the key blade for a chip or for an open cutout that has evidence of an earlier key.
A key duplication device can be bought, but it is not a viable option for the majority of people. The machine is more expensive than blank keys, so you'll need to cut numerous keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable using a vice, a hand file is an option that is more affordable. This isn't the most secure option because it can cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in 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 even start the engine. These are small remote transmitters which communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. They're a benefit for drivers, however they can be expensive to replace or duplicate in the event that you lose one.
Key fobs are more expensive than conventional keys because they contain sophisticated electronic components. They also require to be programmed prior to their use with your vehicle, which could increase the costs as well.
If you lose your sole functioning fob, it could cost up to $300 to have a brand new original fob and key from the dealership. However, Consumer Reports says you can cut the cost of a replacement fob to as little as $50 by purchasing it online. Find an appropriate key fob for your vehicle's model on Amazon, Walmart or an auto-parts shop. Certain key fobs need to be laser-cut or programmed by your local dealer. However, many can be programmed by the buyer.
Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than more advanced models since they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you need to design templates for a lost or damaged key it is less than purchasing a new key from your car dealer.
Another method to reduce the cost of cutting keys is by simply buying a new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus offers a variety of shells that can replace the outer plastic of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain, and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment with the dealership.
Keys with Keyless Entry
The car key fob offers many benefits. They allow you to lock and unlock your car without having to search for your keys. This is especially beneficial when you have large amounts of groceries or other things 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 model and make of your vehicle, they could also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced with replacements purchased from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you will often find them at a much lower price than dealer-supplied options.
If you already have a standard-sized key, the cost of duplication could be as just $10 to $15. You can also purchase keys to replace them at your local hardware or box retailer store. However, replacing keys that are more recent and require specialized encoding could be costly. These keys are usually laser-cut, and are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys or high security keys. They have a more robust blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They have to be programmed by a specific machine at a locksmith or dealership.
It can be expensive to replace a key with a microchip, and it's usually necessary to visit a dealer to obtain the replacement code. These are commonly called smart or transponder keys, and they are equipped with electronics that must be validated by your vehicle before it can open doors or start the engine. A dealer can charge between $150 to $300 for a brand new original key that comes with the key fob as well as an updated transponder chip.
If you lose your keys for keyless entry or if the battery in your key fob dies it could cost you to replace the keys. Keyless entry keys can be found in a majority of modern vehicles. They work by sending a message from the key fob to a receiver within your car. The car locks or unlocks the car on the signal. It will also open the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.